Here’s why the Celebration Japan guest list is awesome…
Star Wars Celebration Japan is just around the corner, and while there’s been a bit of chatter about the shorter guest list this time around, I’m here to tell you not to worry, because the list is awesome. This year’s lineup might not be as sprawling as past celebrations, but it’s packed with Star Wars royalty, so it’s impossible not to get excited.
Let’s start with the big name that always gets people hyped - Hayden Christensen. For many, Hayden is the chosen, not just as Anakin Skywalker but as a fan favourite. He’s arguably one of the most beloved actors in Star Wars today, and its all the more meaningful due to some of the initial reaction to his performance at the time the prequels were released. His in Obi-Wan Kenobi brought some incredible moments, followed by more of the same in Ahsoka. With the sheer amount of love and support he’s received from the fanbase, it’s clear that he’s at the top of many people’s guest lists. Having him in Japan, on his birthday nontheless, is a massive deal.
The list also includes two brilliant first-time signers, making this a special opportunity - Doug Chiang and Oscar Isaac. Doug is a legendary concept artist and designer, responsible for helping shape the highly recognisable visual style of the prequels. His concepts live in our minds, certainly mine from my childhood. A regular at Celebration, its a treat to have him offering autographs for the first time. As far as Oscar Isaac goes, he’s a big deal in Hollywood following his roles in Moonknight and Dune among other things, and is a fan favourite as Poe Dameron. The Sequels are commanding nostalgia these days (this being a 10th year anniversary for The Force Awakens) and his first appearance is a great opportunity to meet him.
But there’s more! The upcoming Season 2 of Andor is gaining lots of attention, even those who didn’t gel with Season 1’s slower pace and more cerebral vibe are excited having seen the trailer which looks action packed. Celebration Japan is the perfect time and place to ride that wave and get immersed in Andor fever. Season 2 drops days after Celebration ends and with Diego Luna (Cassian Andor) making an appearance, it’s likely we’ll get some exciting new details (maybe even a sneak peak) about the show, which is set to explore the early days of the Rebellion.
If thats not enough to get all Andor’ed out, then there’s the exceptional Alan Tudyk on site, who played the hilarious and endearing K-2SO in Rogue One, who will also be appearing in Andor Season 2. Fans can also meet Mads Mikkelsen, who played the absolutely key Galen Erso in Rogue One and is also highly likely to be reprising his role.
If the Ahsoka series is more your cup of tea, then don’t be dissapointed, that show’s headliner Rosario Dawson is also on the list. Ahsoka has become a fan favorite since her animated debut in the Clone Wars, and at Celebration fans have the opportunity to meet Rosario who brought her to life in live action, but also Ashley Eckstein, who voiced her in the Clone Wars. There’s also a unique dual photo opp with both Ahsokas to mark the occasion.
There’s also the legendary and unmissable (you really cant miss him!) Anthony Daniels carrying the flag for the Original Trilogy, and just about every other piece of Star Wars that has been on the big screen, Vanessa Marshall, who voices the iconic Hera Syndulla in Star Wars Rebels, and John Knoll, Chief Creative Officer at ILM, backing up Doug Chiang as a signer and speaker who willno doubt offer some gems of insight from behind the scenes.
Now, if you’re a Fett fan, look no further. Daniel Logan, who portrayed young Boba Fett in Attack of the Clones, is on the list alongside Temuera Morrison (Jango Fett and adult Boba Fett. A Jango and two Bobas in one place. This is the ultimate chance for a Boba-centric photo op and autographs. I cant wait to meet Temuera.
Rounding off the guest list are new and longstanding fan favourites. While the Acolyte proved divisive, fans seemed united in their love for Manny Jacinto’s Stanger/Qimir, the best new villain since Kylo in my book, so he is sure to get a brilliant reception. The inimitable Sam Witwer (voice of Darth Maul in The Clone Wars and Rebels) is also a standout, and known for his deep knowledge and interaction with fans. I’m also especially looking forward to meeting Ahmed Best, a pioneer as Jar Jar, and I’ve loved his portrayal of Kelleran Beq, I truly hope we get to see more of him.
While this year’s lineup may be smaller, it’s packed with quality, new faces, fan favorites, and stalwarts. I say forget the naysayers, there is an immense amount of opportunity to create some special memories and moments, and to get a rare insight on how our favourite content and characters were created! Make the most of it because you never know when the next opportunity may come, and these are some excellent guests that are core to Star Wars, both in front of, and behind, the cameras.
MTFBWY
