Fans (including myself) are desperately waiting for Star Wars Celebration to return to Chicago. The convention only occurred once in Chicago in April 2019, spanning five whole days. However, it has made appearances in numerous other cities in the US, as well as London and Tokyo.
One might ask, what exactly is Star Wars Celebration? It’s more than a convention; it’s a family gathering. You’ll only find dreamers of a galaxy far, far away, and the stars which correlate with it.
Every day, there are numerous panels in which actors and directors are onstage discussing the past, present, and future of the franchise. Normally, they bring out special guests who were previously unannounced. For example, sometimes creator George Lucas himself surprises fans by appearing onstage.
The last time Celebration came to Chicago, one panel revealed the title and first trailer for “The Rise of Skywalker.” The main cast came onstage after, making attendees frolic in utter disbelief.
I wasn’t there that day–I attended the day prior. However, Star Wars themselves livestreamed the entire convention online. I watched as a hundred thousand people stood together in awe at McCormick Place as the trailer played for the first time.
As the Emperor’s laugh was heard, the crowd synchronized and I watched shivers go down their spines. Not every convention is able to show this kind of excitement.
C2E2, Chicago’s main comic-con, doesn’t necessarily share any sort of news. It invites actors and actresses from main franchises, but one would never expect film or television announcements to occur. Although it attracts many guests, most are there as a part of the autograph community, seeking to meet stars.
Celebration isn’t like that. Sure, you can meet celebrities, but you are there to hear about the future of Star Wars. People used to wait for literal days ahead of the Lucasfilm Showcase Panel, where they would announce shows and movies and give first looks.
What’s crazy about those panels, is that what happens in the room, stays in the room. Sure, the information is given to the press, but any images and trailers shown are only witnessed by attendees. People have a tendency to leak these, but it feels amazing saying that I was one of a few thousand people who got to see exclusive footage.
I was able to be in one of these panels, at Celebration 2022 which was in Anaheim, California. The panel was for “Light and Magic,” a Disney+ Original Documentary Series about the creation, successes, and failures of Industrial Light and Magic, the Lucasfilm company which made the special effects for Star Wars.
It was incredible. As it began, filmmakers such as Joe Johnston and Ron Howard made their way onstage, and presented a video message left by George Lucas himself.
Security was in top-form, making sure that none of the exclusive footage and images were being recorded. This is unlike Nightmare Weekend Chicago, where there wasn’t even a security line or a bag check.
When the doors to the convention opened, I hastily ran towards the merchandise booths. They sold exclusive Funko Pops, shirts, and so many more pieces of merchandise. Even though it was years ago, I still have numerous shirts, and the whole series of 2022 exclusive Funkos.
Not only do I think they look awesome, but they are special to me. The memories are priceless, of Star Wars Celebration. I would never sell the things I got there.
All in all, Chicago needs something to look forward to; something that can bring people of all backgrounds and ages together in excitement. Come back, Star Wars Celebration, you’re my only hope.