UPDATE! Pics from the Event. Star Wars Celebration Anaheim: Opening Ceremony With J. J. Abrams & Kathleen Kennedy!

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J. J. Abrams and Kathleen Kennedy kick off Celebration Anaheim with a bang by discussing the Star Wars franchise, along with the new film in the series: The Force Awakens. Keep checking this page for live updates!

 

You can check the live streaming here:

 

Or join the party in The Cantina for some cool prizes and fun HERE.

 

JJ and Kathy were met with thunderous applause and thanked the audience. Kathy expressed gratitude toward George Lucas toward letting her take this position of CEO. JJ expressed uncertainty toward working on a Star Wars movie at Kathy’s request, but ultimately was willing to take the challenge.

 

JJ continued by saying that practical effects was necessary in order for everyone to get into the movie.

 

JJ confirmed that the desert planet is not Tattooine, but a new planet called Jaku.

 

JJ and Kathy then went on to thank everyone for their contributions for Force For Change, announcing another plan for a new initiative involving food distribution.

 

They introduced the two Droid Mechanics who were hired from a previous Star Wars Celebration to work on new animatronics (including R2-D2) for the new movie. BB-8 was then introduced to the audience.

 

The next subject were the actors. Both JJ and Kathy applauded Harrison Ford for his bravery regarding his plane crash. Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, and Oscar Isaac walked onto the stage to discuss their characters. Rey is described as a solitary, self-sufficient character. Finn is described as a Stormtrooper placed in danger in a way that changes his life. Poe is described as an ace pilot sent by Leia on a mission, who meets Finn on his journey.

 

The new Stormtroopers walked onto the stage, displaying their sleek new armor. Anthony Daniels, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, and Mark Hamill walked on-stage to cheers. Daniels expressed gratitude for the fans for sticking to the franchise for nearly 40 years. Mayhew expressed thanks to the cast and crew for letting him be with the show for so long. Fisher mentioned that she had a new outfit, and that she was glad that more women will be in the movie. Mark Hamill called the fans “family” and loved that the Star Wars franchise could be as successful and great as it has been.

 

The cast and crew posed together for photographs, followed by a new teaser.

 

Images from the event:

 

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Grant has been a fan of Star Wars for as long as he can remember, having seen every movie on the big screen. When he’s not hard at work with his college studies, he keeps himself busy by reporting on all kinds of Star Wars news for SWNN and general movie news on the sister site, Movie News Net. He served as a frequent commentator on SWNN’s The Resistance Broadcast.

Grant Davis (Pomojema)

Grant has been a fan of Star Wars for as long as he can remember, having seen every movie on the big screen. When he’s not hard at work with his college studies, he keeps himself busy by reporting on all kinds of Star Wars news for SWNN and general movie news on the sister site, Movie News Net. He served as a frequent commentator on SWNN’s The Resistance Broadcast.

132 thoughts on “UPDATE! Pics from the Event. Star Wars Celebration Anaheim: Opening Ceremony With J. J. Abrams & Kathleen Kennedy!

  • April 16, 2015 at 7:22 pm
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    You know for a second I thought you guys weren’t going to post an official link!!

  • April 16, 2015 at 7:23 pm
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    Too excited. Thanks!

  • April 16, 2015 at 7:30 pm
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    Words can’t express how I(we) are feeling at the moment!! CAN’T WAIT FOR ALL INFO RELEASED!!!!!

    • April 17, 2015 at 11:41 am
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      Gonk droid!!!!
      I’m in!

  • April 16, 2015 at 7:34 pm
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    I hope there will be a new teaser or trailer! I would be awesome! What news do you think i could be?

  • April 16, 2015 at 7:36 pm
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    I know it’s said all the time and maybe even taken for granted… but I am genuinely excited. I’m just sitting here giddy listening to the Star Wars music of the stream =D

  • April 16, 2015 at 7:36 pm
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    What time is that in the UK?

    • April 16, 2015 at 7:43 pm
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      6PM in the UK.

  • April 16, 2015 at 7:37 pm
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    Guys, this is my first post, I’m so excited, I’m in China right now tucked up in bed…..just….. Waiting…..

    • April 16, 2015 at 7:38 pm
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      享受

      • April 16, 2015 at 7:46 pm
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        I’m not Chinese, I live here

        • April 16, 2015 at 7:47 pm
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          Whew I was worried maybe I used the wrong script for enjoy. There was like 8 variations. Anyway that’s what I said… Enjoy!

          • April 16, 2015 at 7:48 pm
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            Haha you too buddy

  • April 16, 2015 at 7:38 pm
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    I NEED THE TRAILER! ITS AGONIZING!

  • April 16, 2015 at 7:41 pm
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    There’s has been an awakening!! Have you felt it?

    YOU’RE DAMN RIGHT I HAVE!!!! COME ON LET GET THIS THING GOING!!!

    • April 16, 2015 at 7:44 pm
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      you watching pornhub again

      • April 16, 2015 at 7:50 pm
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        Just like you!!!

  • April 16, 2015 at 7:44 pm
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    I’m in Australia when does it start

    • April 16, 2015 at 7:45 pm
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      Australia doesn’t get to watch it. 😛

    • April 16, 2015 at 7:46 pm
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      I think it starts for everyone in 15 minutes.

    • April 16, 2015 at 7:46 pm
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      15 minutes or so

    • April 16, 2015 at 7:47 pm
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      In 15 mins dude

  • April 16, 2015 at 7:49 pm
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    Guys, I’ve seen the new photos but is their anything else from today that leaked? Link us you heroic saint

  • April 16, 2015 at 7:53 pm
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    The music for this video stream is getting me pumped up lol

    • April 16, 2015 at 7:56 pm
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      Right? lol… we’ve all heard these so many times and yet… it still works!

  • April 16, 2015 at 7:56 pm
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    <5 minutes!

  • April 16, 2015 at 7:58 pm
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    Please show us a trailer. I’m so excited!!!!

  • April 16, 2015 at 7:59 pm
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    Ohhh fuuuuck guysss 1 minute left!!!!

  • April 16, 2015 at 7:59 pm
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    Fitting that they are playing the closing credits music from ROTJ!

  • April 16, 2015 at 8:00 pm
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    Its 10 am hurry up JJ

  • April 16, 2015 at 8:01 pm
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    Oh come on, always those delays!!! 😉

  • April 16, 2015 at 8:01 pm
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    It’s late,come on!

  • April 16, 2015 at 8:02 pm
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    Haha did everyone really ignore the guy?

    • April 16, 2015 at 8:06 pm
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      Yes, because it’s ridiculous, like the music.
      WTF djelliot? seriously?

  • April 16, 2015 at 8:02 pm
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    Ok, this silly music of the begginnig it’s ridiculous

  • April 16, 2015 at 8:05 pm
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    Why are they raping the Star Wars soundtrack???

    • April 16, 2015 at 8:08 pm
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      Really? I don’t know, man. I don’t know.

  • April 16, 2015 at 8:07 pm
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    The crowd seems unamused

  • April 16, 2015 at 8:09 pm
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    I’m so sick of that picture. Yes it started!!

  • April 16, 2015 at 8:10 pm
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    keep getting “this video is not available” on all video channels. pissed

  • April 16, 2015 at 8:20 pm
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    Omg and here we go with the practical sets

  • April 16, 2015 at 8:21 pm
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    I have been tipped off by a source who wishes to remain anonymous that the audience gets a 15% rebate on their ticket price if they act positive and energetic and cheer at designated times (indicated by a light above the stage). Rebate claims can only begin 10 minutes after filming ends. And you must find yourself on a video replay to prove you were positive.

  • April 16, 2015 at 8:21 pm
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    I would SOO DOO Kathleen Kennedy!

  • April 16, 2015 at 8:22 pm
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    Chewie!!!!!

  • April 16, 2015 at 8:25 pm
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    So the desert planet is NOT Tatooine.

  • April 16, 2015 at 8:25 pm
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    NOT Tattoine!

    • April 16, 2015 at 8:33 pm
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      I think I`ve just fallen madly in love with BB-8. Love at first sight.

      • April 17, 2015 at 6:36 am
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        Madly in love with BB-8? How about Daisy…my God!

  • April 16, 2015 at 8:27 pm
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    Alright get to the movie guys… i didn’t wake up early for this

  • April 16, 2015 at 8:27 pm
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    Desert Planet isn’t Tatooine, it’s called “Ja’koo” (sp?). Interesting….

    • April 17, 2015 at 9:41 am
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      So it is NOT Tatooine but a place called Jakoo?

      ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

      Time to eat some humble pie guys… and while you’re at it, say “sorry” to Jason Ward at makingstarwars.

  • April 16, 2015 at 8:28 pm
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    GUYS,

    I’m Perrymoon, and now you can insult me as much as you want, as one of the promoters of “WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT, THAT’S TATOOINE!!!!!!”

  • April 16, 2015 at 8:28 pm
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    Jaku

    • April 17, 2015 at 9:43 am
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      Jaku…
      …and not Tatooine!!!

      Today is a dark day indeed for the makingstarwars haters.

      I think I’m going to celebrate with another can of beer.

  • April 16, 2015 at 8:34 pm
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    BB-8 sounds so cute!

  • April 16, 2015 at 8:34 pm
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    Haha suckers we told you there was an actual BB-8 Droid that actually worked!!

    • April 16, 2015 at 9:08 pm
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      and he was awesome!!!

    • April 17, 2015 at 9:45 am
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      @rebelgb
      Did anybody doubt it? Jeez, we’ve been hearing nothing BUT “we’re using practical effects” since day 1.

  • April 16, 2015 at 8:34 pm
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    EVERYONE HATED ON BB8 AND HE IS BADASSSSS!!!!

  • April 16, 2015 at 8:36 pm
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    Those costumes are saweeet!

  • April 16, 2015 at 8:37 pm
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    Daisy is gorgeous

    • April 16, 2015 at 8:38 pm
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      Yes and her accent makes her even sexier!

  • April 16, 2015 at 8:38 pm
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    LOL TOLD YOU

  • April 16, 2015 at 8:44 pm
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    Force Unleashed 1&2? He isnt a real fan.

    • April 16, 2015 at 8:55 pm
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      Which is probably a good thing if we use Harrison as an example of not-a-fan.

    • April 16, 2015 at 9:05 pm
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      Fantastic pics starting to feel really good about this movie

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:06 pm
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    DONT GIVE US THE SCREEN, SHOW US THE DAMN TRAILER IM IN TERRIBLE PAIN

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:06 pm
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    AAAHHHHHHHH THAT WAS SO BADASS!!!!!

    • April 16, 2015 at 9:07 pm
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      WHAT DE FUCK

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:06 pm
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    NEW TRAILER

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:06 pm
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    OH MY GOD I have tears in my eyes!!

    My God my God!!! So frickin awesome!

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:07 pm
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    Wow… that… was entertaining beginning to end. Now I have to rewatch that trailer 400 times.

    Nothing but love here.

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:07 pm
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    waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:08 pm
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    mind blown

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:08 pm
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    I HAVENT SEEN IT WHAT DE FUCK IM JUST STUCK AT THE FUCKING THANKS FOR WATCHING SCREEN ARE U FUCKING KIDDING ME

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:08 pm
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    HAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:08 pm
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    Major goosebumps at the end!!!!

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:09 pm
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    WHAT DE FUCK WHY DID IT NOT SHOW UP ON THE YOUTUBE STREAM IM SO FREAKING PISSED OFF

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:10 pm
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    Just saw the trailer!!!!

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:10 pm
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    WHERE CAN WE WATCH IT AGAIN?!
    Mind=blown. Besides the obvious confirmation of Luke/Anakin’s old lightsaber returning somehow, There wasn’t a single thing that dampened my child-like ecstasy while watching that trailer.
    Jumpin jesus on a pogo stick!

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:10 pm
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    link to new trailer?

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:10 pm
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    Chewie…..we’re home!

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:11 pm
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    Actually slightly teary eyed seeing Han and chewie. Just Brilliant.

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:11 pm
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    I couldn’t see it!!!!!!!

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:11 pm
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    OMFG!!!!!!!!!!!! that was badasssss

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:12 pm
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    Han and Chewie at the end!!! Amazing trailer, great action.

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:12 pm
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    New trailer. Get it online. NOW!

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:12 pm
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    HOLY CRAP LUKES MONOLOGUE TYING TO THE OT. man wasnt expecting that. now where to go to see it again and again??!!

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:12 pm
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    WOW! THAT NEW TRAILER !!!

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:13 pm
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    Its time to own up people. Who had their screen recorder on during the trailer ?

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:13 pm
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    I honestly Have to say that this is the most disappointing star wars trailer I have ever seen.

    • April 16, 2015 at 9:14 pm
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      You have no soul

    • April 16, 2015 at 9:14 pm
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      Fuck off!

    • April 17, 2015 at 11:38 am
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      TURD!

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:13 pm
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    This will be the biggest movie ever… new trailer gave me chills!

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:14 pm
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    wow, BB 8 actually upstaged everyone!

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:14 pm
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    JJ has smartwatch in his hand 😛

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:15 pm
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    I wasn’t sure if I wanted to watch the trailer on my phone, but it happened. I feel like I’m more excited to watch it again at home…

    Love the troopers, love BB8.
    Different desert planet, ya sneaky bastages!

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:16 pm
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    Dude someone post the fucking trailer NOWWWWWWW I MISSED IT!!!!! Dahhhjh

    • April 16, 2015 at 9:21 pm
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      It is on youtube!

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:16 pm
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    Never thought I would see Han Solo again… that was an incredible moment.

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:20 pm
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    The new teaser is sick i freaking love it!!

    • April 16, 2015 at 9:54 pm
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      don’t say “sick” then, say “good”.

      • April 16, 2015 at 11:52 pm
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        And if you could not say anything at all, that would be perfect.

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:20 pm
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    Oh thank god! Thank u anonymous u r awesome!! That was the best thing I have seen in 10 years!!! YESS ITS BACK BABY

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:22 pm
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    Wow!

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:26 pm
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    OMG, THAT TEASER THO!

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:28 pm
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    WOW… an Emotionally charged trailer. JJ you rock son! anyone who did not like that trailer is Insane! 🙂

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:30 pm
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    Why does it look like Han is just wearing a casual shirt and leather jacket. Oh wait that`s because he is.

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:37 pm
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    This reminded me of something …Oh yeah

    Freakin’ Star Wars baby !!!!!

    It’s back

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:48 pm
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    Might have misheard as my kids were playing up at the time but did Anthony Daniels say that ewan mcgregor might be returning? Also JJ said Harrison was likely to be there next year – does this suggest he doesn’t kick the bucket as rumoured?

  • April 16, 2015 at 9:57 pm
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    I started getting teary eyed at the panel when they started introducing the original cast…..and Mark still looks like he’s kept the weight off and with haircut and no beard looks quiet good. Then I lost signal for the trailer but watched it on youtube. I loved it…but have to say the panel was great great too!!!♡♡♡

  • April 16, 2015 at 10:23 pm
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    jackoo… I can’t believe those sceptical fans aere right… :/

    • April 16, 2015 at 10:48 pm
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      “Jakku” not “jackoo” 😀

  • April 16, 2015 at 10:32 pm
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    I am so proud of sw again thx jj

  • April 17, 2015 at 12:37 am
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    Want old Stormtroopers back – RESHOOT ASAP!!!

  • April 17, 2015 at 1:54 am
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    Where are the gungans?

  • April 17, 2015 at 2:06 am
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    I can’t wait to see a full shot of Luke in all his Jedi master glory! It’s oubviosly him with R2D2 and the robotic hand. No one says anything about the burned cadre helmet?!! That was awesome!

    • April 17, 2015 at 2:06 am
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      *vader

  • April 17, 2015 at 3:50 am
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    I’m shocked it’s not Tatooine. I guess if you were were hiding from the empire, Luke’s home planet is probably not the best place to be. Hopefully jakku will distinguish itself with unique design elements so it doesn’t feel like Tatooine (thematically I mean. Obviously there are loads of desert planets in the galaxy)

    • April 17, 2015 at 9:49 am
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      another thing for JJ to add to his to-do list. Because right now he has to worry about VII not feeling like a retread of IV.

  • April 17, 2015 at 4:41 am
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    That was a great teaser. Am I wrong or does Screenrant say there will be a full trailer with Avengers AoU ? (Longer than this one)

  • April 17, 2015 at 8:02 am
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    Chewie, we’re home’ doesnt really do it for me,

    ..Things Han Solo could of said in the new ‘Star Wars, Force awakens trailer’ when he arrives on back on his Millenium Falcon, other than – ‘Chewie, we’re home’

    ‘Chewie, better put the cat out’
    ‘Chewie, put he heater on’
    ‘Chewie, grab us a cold one’
    ‘Chewie, check the answering machine for messages’
    ‘Chewie, check the footy scores’
    ‘Chewie, put the kettle on’
    ‘Chewie, fetch me my pills’
    ‘Chewie, i wonder if Deal or no Deal has started’
    ‘Chewie, go run a warm bath’
    ‘Chewie, have you ever been to a turkish prison?’
    ‘Chewie, i said stay outside’
    ‘Chewie, we need milk’
    ‘Chewie, look at all this mail’
    ‘Chewie, and you think Lando would of left a full tank for us’
    ‘Chewie, fancy a night cap?’
    ‘Chewie, pizza or thai?’
    ‘Chewie, get off my leg’
    ‘Chewie, you left your hair straightener on’
    ‘Chewie, better empty the dishwasher’
    ‘Chewie, not tonight ok’
    ‘Chewie, wanna play pilots and co-pilots?’
    ‘Chewie, instagram this hunk of junk #weback’
    ‘Chewie, dude wheres my …ohh’
    ‘Chewie, these damn furballs’
    ‘Chewie, fire up the Holiday special’

    and my personal favorite..
    ‘Chewie, im too old for this shit’

  • April 17, 2015 at 2:43 pm
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    Daisy Ridley is taller than I thought!

  • April 17, 2015 at 5:06 pm
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    Here’s something I just realized. You can’t really see Chewie’s right arm. Were the robotic arm rumors true?

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