Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos

Last Sunday I was one of very few to attend the Global Press Event for Star Wars: The Force Awakens (in theaters Dec 18th) in Los Angeles California, courtesy of Disney. Not only were there some outstanding merchandise diplays, but all of the stars of the new highly anticipated film were there soaking it all in as well, including Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Lupita Nyong’o. Gwendolyn Christie (Captain Phasma) even smiled and said hello to me in the hallway as we crossed paths (as a Game of Thrones fan, day made!).

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos
Dressed for the occasion…

I wanted to share some amazing photos of the event that I was able to experience. Check out this trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens and see it in theaters EVERYWHERE December 18th.

The Costumes

Designing powerhouse Michael Kaplan took the reigns of the this installment of the famous franchise:

“We didn’t use anything [from previous Star Wars films], but I went up to George Lucas’s archives—huge building—and just spent a day going through sketches and looking just to get the tone of the movie, you know, in my guts and veins so that when I went to London I felt equipped and inspired, which I certainly did”. (Vanity Fair, May 2015)

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos
Captain Phasma’s armor (played by Gwendoline Christie). Although the costume was originally intended for Kylo Ren, it ultimately made more sense for the Captain of the First Order. JJ Abrams confirmed to me that there are more female Stormtroopers than just Phasma, leading me to believe Phasma was cloned. Not much else is known about the character.

 

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos
A trio of Stormtroopers.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos
Close up of the abrasion on a Stormtrooper costume from use in the film

 

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos
Leia and Han Solo’s costumes. You can see the evolution not only of the status of Leia in the film, but also possible climate changes, as Han is now wearing a leather jacket as opposed to a vest. Leia’s is more authoritative, giving the look of someone in charge. Also note the omission of the term “Princess” in the information card.

 

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos
Han Solo Costume. Although the belt appears to be the same as the original, it is a remake.

 

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos
Leia’s costume.

 

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos
Kylo Ren’s robes and mask. Kylo was originally supposed to wear the now Captain Phasma armor, but it didn’t make sense for the character as he is a bit “rough around the edges” and obsessed with Darth Vader.

 

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos
Close up of Kylo Ren’s mask. Note the abrasions and indents in the leather mouth guard, a possible indication of Kylo being less attentive to details and a bit more physical than Vader was.

 

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos
The costumes of Finn (John Boyega), Rey (Daisy Ridley), and Poe (Oscar Isaac).

 

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos
Finn’s clothing is essentially pieced together.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos
Rey’s costume is mostly rags to keep her proteched form the elements.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos
While Poe’s costume looks identical to the original X-Wing Fighter uniform, there are differences

 

The Press Junket with JJ Abrams, Carrie Fisher, and more

  I got the last-minute approval to sit in on the press junket with other attendees of the event. There were about 500 or so attendees along with camera operators and photographers. The talented Mindy Kaling mediated the event asking hilarious questions to Carrie Fisher, J.J. Abrams, Lypita Nyong’o, Daisy Ridley, Adam Scott, and Lawrence Casdan in the first part of two.   Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos

  Part 2 continued with  Harrison Ford (“Han Solo”), John Boyega (“Finn”), Oscar Isaac (“Poe Dameron”) , Gwendoline Christie (“Captain Phasma”) and Kathleen Kennedy (Producer).

Keep a lookout on my site for exclusive interviews with Harrison Ford, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Daisy Ridley, J.J. Abrams, Kathleen Kennedy, and John Boyega! 
   
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Meeting Droids on the Press Room Floor

These are the droids I was looking for! I had fun posing with the droids – R2-D2, C3P0, and BB-8.

 

I met BB-8!! #starwars #starwarsevent A video posted by Carol (@mommywants) on

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos

The Merchandise

The main press area of the center was filled with some great activities – playing Disney Infinity with the latest Star Wars characters, making custom Star Wars tees, and checking out Google’s contribution. The merchandise is amazing! There are thousands of licensed Star Wars merchandise, here’s a smattering of them!

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos

Ending the Day At Disneyland Season of the Force

I ended my day visiting Disneyland and the Season of the Force. I got Star Wars themed food, rode Star Tours – revamped with The Force Awakens bits in it, and Space Mountain has turned into Hyperspace Mountain with Tie-Fighters, X-Wing Fighters, and of course going into hyperspeed! Star Wars themed attractions include:

  • Star Wars Launch Bay
  • Hyperspace Mountain
  • Star Tours: The Adventure Continues
  • Star Wars: Path of the Jedi

…and more coming soon!

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Global Press Event In Photos

It was an incredible day – check out more Star Wars news here soon!

* All travel and amenities were provided by Disney.