Walt Disney Studios and Lucasfilm’s long awaited “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” blasted off with a world premiere at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles Saturday night and left the passionate fans on hand left immensely satisfied.
The experience began – and Disney wonderfully made sure it was an experience – with an incredible white carpet featuring a gigantic AT-AT Walker and rebel cannons blasting onlookers. The premiere itself began with introductions of producers Kathleen Kennedy, Ram Bergman and legendary composer John Williams taking the stage. When director Rian Johnson appeared he made sure to give a special shoutout for Williams who received a standing ovation from most in the packed auditorium. Johnson then personally introduced Anthony Daniels, Joonas Suotamo (the new Chewbacca), Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Laura Dern, Benicio del Toro, Kelly Marie Tran, Adam Driver and Daisy Ridley. Mark Hamill received the last spotlight and the loudest ovation of the night. Oscar Isaac was the only major cast member unable to attend.
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Before the screening began Johnson got slightly emotional when he noted that the movie was “for Carrie” and that if the recently departed actress was there she’d be giving him the finger telling him not to bring the party down. Fisher passed away almost a year ago at the age of 60. “Last Jedi” was her final film. Fisher’s daughter Billie Lourd was on hand for the event.
Following the screening Disney recreated the new intergalactic gambling and pleasure destination that is a key plot point in “Last Jedi” for the after party. Some of the well known faces on hand included Edgar Wright, Chadwick Boseman, Ava Duvernay, Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Tessa Thompson, Greta Gerwig, Noah Baumbach, Jon Favreau, Ryan Coogler, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Iovine, Spike Lee, Minnie Driver, Elijah Wood, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Gaten Matarazzo, Shawn Levy, Frank Oz, Thom Yorke and Dita Von Teese. Besides the usual photo stations there were blackjack and craps tables (no real money was exchanged) where participants could play to win a set of six collectable buttons that will no doubt appear on E-bay within hours.
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” opens nationwide on Friday.