By George Bate & Josh Bate
With Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023 mere days away, now is the perfect time to look back at some of the best moments in Star Wars Celebration history. Were you in attendance for any of these moments? What is your favorite Star Wars Celebration memory?
George Lucas’ Celebration debut at Celebration III in 2005
Star Wars Celebration III was held at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis in April 2005, just weeks ahead of the highly anticipated release of Revenge of the Sith. At Celebration III, Lucas made his first ever appearance at a Star Wars Celebration and completely stole the show. A stark contrast to the more guarded approach of filmmakers, Lucas was delightfully open at Celebration III as he fielded questions from the audience and provided on-the-spot answers. It was during this impromptu Q&A that Lucas discussed the future of Star Wars post-Episode III and announced Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
“Chewie, we’re home” from Star Wars Celebration Anaheim in 2015
Flash back to Star Wars Celebration in 2015 and the state of Star Wars was markedly different to the landscape of projects today. It had been 10 years without a Star Wars movie to anticipate and fans were eager to hear about Lucasfilm’s development of the franchise under Disney ownership.
The main panel at Celebration in 2015 debuted the second trailer for The Force Awakens, which iconically concludes with Harrison Ford’s Han Solo proclaiming, “Chewie, we’re home” upon re-entering the Millennium Falcon.
This jaw-dropping Celebration moment was also accompanied with the epic first trailer for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which revealed Darth Vader was heading back to the big screen.
Ben Mendelsohn as Director Krennic in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story from Star Wars Celebration Europe 2016
Ben Mendelsohn made an epic entrance to Star Wars Celebration Europe in 2016, dressed in his stunning Director Krennic costume and surrounded by imposing Death Troopers.
A Tribute to Carrie Fisher from Star Wars Celebration Orlando 2017
Star Wars Celebration Orlando 2017 marked the first Celebration since the passing of the beloved Carrie Fisher. To honor the Princess Leia actress, her daughter Billie Lourd read a touching tribute that brought a tear to the eyes of many of the audience members. After Lourd’s tribute, the stage curtains opened up to reveal the one and only John Williams, who conducted his orchestra with a live performance of “Princess Leia’s Theme.” Fast forward to the one-hour mark of the below video to watch the tribute.
Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen and “Duel of the Fates” at Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2022
Ahead of the premiere of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen made their way onto the Celebration Stage accompanied with a live choir rendition of “Duel of the Fates.” When the music died down, McGregor welcomed the roaring Star Wars Celebration crowd with “Hello there!”
Stay tuned to The HoloFiles and Star Wars Holocron for live updates of Star Wars Celebration Europe 2023! Check out the full convention schedule, tips & tricks, and our previous Celebration coverage below!