40 years ago, about this time of year, no one had any idea that they would soon be taking their first steps into a larger world. Films, books, stories of many kinds all do the same thing for those who hear them. They take them into another place or time, they make them see different places, people, and points of view, and most importantly they make you think a little differently. This, in it’s simplest form, is how people fell in when they first saw Star Wars. Now here we are four decades later, mapping out our plans, making our packing lists, and barley containing the excitement for the heaven that fans will once again get to experience. Star Wars Celebration has always been a time where I feel most like myself. It’s like I stepped out of one dimension and got to live in another for just a short time, but this one where Star Wars is the center of all life, is home.
This Celebration promises to be more exciting, more sad, and more charged than ever before. The last time we were in Orlando in 2012 the universe was much smaller. Now we have the beginning of the rest of the saga, our first spin off successfully completed with others already shooting, and the expectation for our first glimpses of The Last Jedi. Not only is there much anticipation for the new film, but there so many more characters, stories, and possibilities for this Celebration. There’s also an inevitable heaviness to the gathering this time as we all are aware of the need to shed some tears over our fallen princess. The emotion from our loss, the excitement for an expected trailer, and the desire to share our passion and love for this alternate universe with others of the same mind couldn’t come sooner. This time promises to be a marker in the lives of those who attend.
As I lay out my schedule and choose where I’m spending my time, I am finding myself excited to see some of the new actors and of course, get my hand on some new merchandise. The odd thing is I have this strange sense of nostalgia going on. One where I know I will be back in a place that understands me like no other, but with an urge to almost pay a sort of respect to this universe, this culture that is the biggest part of my life. I wouldn’t be who I am today without it. Many of you wouldn’t be the same either. It’s more than just a convention for geeks. It’s a homecoming. One that I can’t wait to embrace.
Felicity Jones (Jyn Erso) and Alan Tudyk (K-2SO) from last year's blockbuster, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, will both be attending Celebration Orlando to sign autographs and take photos with fans.
By: Rachel Rossilli
For more information on Star Wars Celebration Orlando 2017, please visit: www.starwarscelebration.com