Star Wars Celebration 2025 in Chiba, Japan—was it ever *not* going to be epic? From surprise celebrity castings to jaw-dropping trailers, this year’s event was a whirlwind of announcements that left fans buzzing. Let’s dive into the highlights, shall we? We’re talking everything from Mando’s big-screen leap to, well, Ryan Gosling in *space*. You read that right.
The Mandalorian & Grogu Blast onto the Big Screen (and into an AT-AT)
The biggest reveal? Arguably the jump from the small screen to the silver screen for Din Djarin and Grogu. The Mandalorian & Grogu isn’t just a continuation of the Disney+ series; it’s a full-blown cinematic experience. And the footage screened for attendees? Let’s just say it’s more than promising. Remember that iconic Darth Vader hallway scene in Rogue One? Picture that, but inside an AT-AT, with Mando wielding all manner of Mandalorian weaponry. Seriously. Explosions, pyrotechnics, hand-to-hand combat—it’s all there, beautifully choreographed in what looks like one continuous shot.
The teaser also offers glimpses of Sigourney Weaver’s mysterious New Republic character (who seems to be Mando’s new boss – talk about an upgrade!), a shiny new Razor Crest (because everyone needs a reliable ride), Grogu swimming (adorable!), and – wait for it – Rotta the Hutt, all grown up and fighting in gladiatorial arenas. Yes, *that* Rotta. Apparently, “Stinky” hit the gym. Hard.
Jon Favreau emphasized the influence of Japanese cinema on Star Wars, making the Tokyo Celebration a fitting venue for this reveal. And Pedro Pascal, reflecting on his journey as Mando, recalled his first meeting with Favreau and Filoni, filled with “the greatest visual storyboards I had ever seen.” We’re inclined to agree, Pedro.
Ryan Gosling: From Ken to… Starfighter Pilot?
This is the kind of news that makes you do a double-take. Ryan Gosling, fresh off his Barbie success, is joining the Star Wars universe in Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy. The film, set after The Rise of Skywalker, promises a standalone adventure with a brand-new cast of characters. Gosling, sporting a “Never Tell Me The Odds” baseball cap (a nod to Han Solo, perhaps?), revealed his childhood Star Wars sheets (yes, his mom *still* has them), proving this is a dream come true for the actor. Can you imagine? From Kenough to Jedi… or something like that.
Levy kept details scarce (those pesky “rules,” you know), but the sheer excitement of Gosling’s involvement was enough to send the crowd into a frenzy. This is definitely one of those “pinch me” moments for Star Wars fans.
Ahsoka, Andor, and Animated Adventures Galore
The Mandalorian & Grogu and Starfighter weren’t the only highlights. Ahsoka Season 2 is officially a go, with filming starting immediately after Celebration. The teaser hints at Grand Admiral Thrawn’s return, Ahsoka and Sabine’s continuing journey, and, sadly, the recast of the late Ray Stevenson’s role, now played by Lars Mikkelsen. The World Between Worlds allows for Anakin’s return as well, and Christensen was as enthused as the fans in the audience. It truly is a celebration of everything the franchise has to offer, and a place for it to go in the future.
Andor Season 2 also got its moment to shine, with a panel celebrating the series’ critical acclaim and offering glimpses into Cassian’s journey in the years leading up to Rogue One. Tony Gilroy emphasized the season’s unique structure – releasing trios of episodes each week, essentially “dropping a new movie every week.” The story will be as politically intricate as the first season, but with a greater emphasis on the characters most intimate relationships as they all reckon with life under Imperial rule.
The animation side of the Star Wars galaxy wasn’t neglected either. Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 is coming in October, focusing on Japanese anime studios, and Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, a new animated series set during the dark times of the Empire, was unveiled to thunderous applause. The latter promises a darker, revenge-fueled story for the former Sith Lord, complete with a stunning new animation style. Plus, who doesn’t love a bit of Maul mayhem?
Finally, the 20th anniversary of Lucasfilm Animation was marked with a panel discussing the evolution of the studio’s style and storytelling, from The Clone Wars to the upcoming Maul series. It’s a testament to the enduring power of animation in the Star Wars universe.
The Force is Strong with This One (Celebration, That Is)
From the cosplayers roaming the halls (Darth Vader made of Legos, anyone?) to the exclusive merchandise and the palpable excitement of the fans, Star Wars Celebration 2025 was a resounding success. It’s a reminder that the Force is still very much alive, and that the future of the galaxy far, far away is brighter—and more packed with surprises—than ever before. Speaking of the future, Star Wars Celebration 2027 is heading back to Los Angeles. See you there?
What This Means for the Future of Star Wars
So, what does this deluge of announcements mean for the future of the Star Wars franchise? Clearly, Disney and Lucasfilm are doubling down on what works: interconnected storytelling, big-screen spectacles, and fan-favorite characters. The move to bring The Mandalorian to theaters demonstrates a commitment to expanding the scope of these Disney+ series, offering a truly cinematic experience for fans who crave that big-screen magic.
Gosling’s casting is a savvy move to attract a wider audience, leveraging his star power and tapping into the current “Ken-ergy” craze (we couldn’t resist). It also signals a willingness to explore new corners of the Star Wars galaxy, venturing beyond the familiar Skywalker saga and introducing fresh faces and storylines.
5 Things We’re Most Excited About
- Mando on the Big Screen: Seeing Din Djarin and Grogu in a full-blown theatrical release is a dream come true for fans who have followed their adventures on Disney+. The promise of epic action sequences and a larger-than-life story has us on the edge of our seats.
- Ryan Gosling in Space: Need we say more? The casting of Ryan Gosling in Starfighter is a game-changer, injecting fresh star power into the Star Wars universe. We’re eager to see what he brings to the role and how his character fits into the larger galactic narrative.
- Andor’s Rebellious Spirit: The critical acclaim of Andor has set a high bar for Season 2. The promise of a more intimate and character-driven story, combined with the show’s unique release structure, has us intrigued. We’re expecting another dose of gritty realism and political intrigue.
- Maul’s Return to Darkness: The announcement of Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord has us buzzing with anticipation. A darker, more mature take on Maul’s story, with a fresh animation style, is exactly what we’ve been craving. Prepare for some serious Sith action.
< li>Ahsoka’s Continuing Journey: With Grand Admiral Thrawn’s looming presence and the exploration of the World Between Worlds, Ahsoka Season 2 promises to be even more thrilling and emotionally resonant than the first. We’re bracing ourselves for some serious lightsaber duels and Force-fueled confrontations.
Star Wars: More Than Just Movies
Star Wars Celebration 2025 wasn’t just about movies and TV shows. It was a celebration of the entire Star Wars universe, encompassing everything from animation and comics to video games and cosplay. The event showcased the incredible passion and creativity of the fanbase, reminding us that Star Wars is more than just a franchise; it’s a cultural phenomenon that continues to inspire and connect people from all walks of life.
With Celebration 2027 already on the horizon, the future of Star Wars looks brighter than ever. The Force is strong with this one, indeed.
Key Questions from Star Wars Celebration 2025
Will \”The Mandalorian & Grogu\” movie be a direct continuation of the series?
Yes, the movie will continue the story of Din Djarin and Grogu after the events of the Disney+ series.
Who is Ryan Gosling playing in \”Star Wars: Starfighter\”?
Details about Gosling’s character are scarce, but it’s confirmed he’ll be a starfighter pilot in a standalone adventure set after \”The Rise of Skywalker.\”
Is \”Ahsoka\” Season 2 confirmed?
Yes, filming for \”Ahsoka\” Season 2 is starting immediately after Star Wars Celebration 2025.
What can we expect from \”Andor\” Season 2?
Season 2 will explore Cassian’s journey in the years leading up to \”Rogue One\” with a unique release structure of trios of episodes each week. It promises similar political intrigue to the first season but also delves deeper into character relationships.
Is there any news on \”Star Wars\” animation?
Yes, \”Star Wars: Visions\” Volume 3 is coming in October, focusing on Japanese anime studios. Also, a new animated series, \”Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord,\” has been announced, promising a darker story for the former Sith Lord.
The Future of Star Wars is Bright
Star Wars Celebration 2025 was a resounding success, showcasing a bright future for the galaxy far, far away. With exciting new movies, series, and animated projects on the horizon, the Force is clearly strong with this franchise. And with Celebration 2027 heading back to Los Angeles, fans have even more to look forward to.
