‘Star Wars’ 40th Anniversary Panel To Kickstart Celebration…

Star Wars Celebration Orlando arrives shortly before the 40th Anniversary of the release of A New Hope, so it’s only fitting that the people running the world’s biggest Star Wars fan convention would commemorate such a momentous event. What’s interesting, though, is that the panel commemorating the occasion will be the one that opens Celebration!

The Official Star Wars Website has given a press release regarding the 40th Anniversary panel and what to expect from it:

The panel, hosted by Warwick Davis, will feature Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and discussions with some of the saga’s brightest stars, highlighting the impact of the galaxy far, far, away and the fandom that has propelled it for the last four decades. As is tradition, this marquee Celebration event will undoubtedly include many not-to-be-missed surprises. Fans will definitely want to mark their calendars for Thursday, April 13th and make the Star Wars 40th anniversary panel a priority for their Celebration weekend!

The panel opens on April 13, kicking Celebration Orlando into high gear until it ends on April 16. Some fans might be surprised that the panel for the next film – The Last Jedi – will not be held on the opening day, but on April 14 instead. Rumor has it that one of the surprises featured in the 40th Anniversary panel is a behind-the-scenes reel for The Last Jedi, while an actual teaser will debut at the panel for the movie, as numerous story details are announced for the first time. Expect more news to come out about the key panels of Celebration Orlando as the event gets closer and closer.

In addition, Lucasfilm released a poster to commemorate the event:

Star Wars Episode VII: The Last Jedi will be released on December 15, 2017. Han Solo will be released on May 25, 2018. Star Wars Episode IX will be released sometime in 2019, while a third Star Wars spin-off is planned for 2020.

Source: The Official Star Wars Website