Star Wars Celebration: Day 1

The day is still young here at Star Wars Celebration in sunny Anaheim, and so much has happened already!

As most of you probably already know, there was a panel this morning with J.J. Abrams and Kathleen Kennedy. They were joined onstage with the new cast of the “Star Wars” saga (Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac) as well as those we already know well: Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels, and Mark Hamill.

The highlight of course was the new teaser of “The Force Awakens.” There are shadows of the Empire as we have known it, with a crashed Star Destroyer on the newly revealed desert planet Jakku. Note: not Tatooine. But there glimpses of an Empire reborn, with a new look for the stormtroopers.

It’s not difficult to find familiar faces mingling with fans. I saw Jeremy Bulloch and Matthew Wood in my hotel lobby, smiling and posing for photos. J.J. Abrams stopped in front of the convention center to pose with costumed fans, and I stumbled across a corner of the huge show floor where he and Kennedy sat for an interview.

Fans from all over have gathered here to celebrate their love of “Star Wars.” It’s an interesting time, as there’s the love and nostalgia for what has come before, as well as the breathless anticipation of a new movie, under the guidance of a new team of filmmakers. I don’t recall this level of excitement since the first Celebration, just prior to the release of “The Phantom Menace.”

It’s also so great to see families share this love together. The kids are adorable, dressed as true-to-size Yodas, and tiny Princess Leias and Sabines and Boba Fetts. It all brings warm feelings to my heart.

There’s so much to see and do, and I’ve only scratched the surface. Be sure to keep checking in with Big Shiny Robot! over the next few days as we bring you more from Star Wars Celebration.