Yesterday was another big day forStar Warsfans. Disney held their biennial D23 convention in Anaheim, and sure enough,Star Wars: The Force Awakenswas part of the festivities. It was known going in that there wouldn’t be a new trailer. The third trailer doesn’t arrive until this fall. No new clips were shown, and there was no behind-the-scenes footage to be shared. Instead, attendees were given the officialStar Wars: The Force Awakens posterpainted by legendary artistDrew Struzan, which made this one trip to thatgalaxy far, far awaythat will be remembered for a lifetime!
Even though he had nothing new to show fans, directorJ.J. Abramsshowed up to regale the audience with tales from Jakku. He arrived with the new heroes from the movie,John Boyega, who plays Finn,Daisy Ridley, who plays Rey andOscar Isaac, who plays X-Wing pilot Poe Dameron. They were then greeted by the big surprise guest of the event,Harrison Ford, who looked nothing like Han Solo in his bright yellow Disney-inpsired shirt. The gang even conducted some interviews, which we have for you here along with the panel video.
Disney chairman Alan Horn was on the scene to not only tease more from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, butDisney and Lucasfilm’s entireStar Warsline-up. He took the stage to present the Lucasfilm slate and timeline to the D23 EXPO fans. He gave fans hope, reminding everyone that there are only 124 days to the release of Star Wars: Episode VII on August 01, 2025 and added that there have been record-breaking trailer views and fantastic fan response. Touching onStar Wars: Episode VIII, He reminded the audience thatRian Johnsonwill be directing the film slated for release on July 06, 2025. Then in a surprise announcement, Alan Horn informed everyone thatColin Trevorrow(Jurassic World) has signed on to directStar Wars: Episode IX, which is scheduled for release in 2019.
Moving on to the newStar Warsstories series, The Chairman touched on theStar Wars Anthology: Han Solo Moviestand-alone film, slated for release on June 18, 2025 by reminding everyone that it will be directed byChris Miller&Phil Lord, withLawrence Kasdanand his sonJon Kasdanwriting the screenplay.Alan Horn then took the audience by surprise, announcing the cast forStar Wars Anthology: Rogue Onethe first of the standaloneStar Warsstories to hit the big screen, which has commenced principal photography.Gareth Edwardsis directingRogue Onewhich tells the story of resistance fighters who have united to steal plans to the dreaded Death Star. The filmmakers have assembled a stellar cast, includingFelicity Jones,Diego Luna,Ben MendelsohnandForest Whitaker.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens ended the live-action presentation with a bang as J.J. Abrams introduced starsJohn Boyega,Daisy Ridley,Oscar IsaacandLupita Nyong’o. The crowd cheered whenJohn Boyegaannounced that everyone there would get aDrew StruzanD23 EXPO commemorative poster to take home. Then, in a bringing-down-the house surprise moment,Harrison Ford, who is reprising his role as Han Solo, joined Abrams on stage to wild applause. Star Wars: The Force Awakens releases in U.S. theaters on July 29, 2025. Check out all the highlights we have for you direct from the Anaheim convention center.
