Can you believe it’s been 40 years since Star Wars first opened in theaters? It’s an insanely impressive (and maybe a tad depressing for those of us looking back on how much time has passed) milestone and something worth celebrating in a big way. That’s why it’s the central theme of Star Wars Celebration 2017 in Orlando, Florida and the very first panel presentation of the event focused on it and honoring the late Carrie Fisher.
There’s been surprise appearances, including by George Lucas and Harrison Ford, and John Williams put on a legendary performance that’ll go down in the history books with The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and put you in tears. And that’s just in the first hours of this year’s Star Wars Celebration, a notably big event given that it won’t return until 2019.
We attended the panels and explored the show floor to grab photos of cosplay, displays, vehicles, the fans, and even the stars. If you’re a collector or a fan, check out the below image galleries which include our own exclusive photos as well as an official gallery of photos Disney shared with us.
[vn_gallery name=“Star Wars Celebration 2017 Cosplay and Costume Displays” id=“944902”]
[vn_gallery name=“Star Wars Celebration 2017 Event and Show Floor Photos” id=“945050”]
[vn_gallery name=“Star Wars Celebration 2017 LEGO Gallery” id=“944983”]
Star Wars Celebration Orlando kicked off with an epic tribute for the Saga’s 40th Anniversary featuring surprise guests including George Lucas, Kathleen Kennedy, Warwick Davis, Hayden Christensen, Ian McDiarmid, Dave Filoni, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, Billy Dee Williams and Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford. Here’s the official collection (when it’s live):
[vn_gallery name=“Star Wars Celebration 2017 40th Anniversary Photos” id=“945012”]
Check back in daily as we add new photos to each gallery, especially the cosplay collection, in addition to entirely new galleries from tomorrow’s panels (Star Wars: The Last Jedi surprises included!).
May the Force be with you!
More: Star Wars 40th Anniversary Celebration Remembers Carrie Fisher
Star Wars Celebration is the ultimate fan experience focused on a galaxy far, far away…
There has never been a more exciting time to be a Star Wars fan, and Star Wars Celebration in Orlando, USA will bring fans of all ages together, from all around the world, to celebrate the pop culture phenomenon that is Star Wars — all on the cusp of new Star Wars movies and television shows! Looking ahead, while celebrating all that has come before, there’s something for everyone at Star Wars Celebration!
Celebration - Lucasfilm’s love letter to fans - is four fun-filled days of costumes, exhibits, a vibrant, interactive show floor, screenings, exclusive merchandise, celebrity guests, panels, autograph sessions, fan-inspired activities, and other surprises celebrating all things Star Wars! Star Wars Celebrations deliver a landmark experience where memories are made, families brought together, old friends reunited, and new friendships formed — all in the setting of the ever-evolving Star Wars universe.
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