Star Wars Celebration blasted back bigger than ever, taking over Chiba, Japan, from April 18–20, 2025. It’s been 17 years since the event last touched down in Japan, and its return to the Makuhari Messe convention center near Tokyo sent shockwaves across the galaxy with surprise reveals, star-studded panels, and all-around galactic fun. Wondering what’s got fans buzzing from here to Tatooine? Let’s jump to hyperspace and find out—including when and where the next Star Wars Celebration will land.
UPDATED 4/20/25 with new Disney Parks info and the location of the next Star Wars Celebration!
What Is Star Wars Celebration?
If there’s one event I’ve never attended but would love to experience, it’s Star Wars Celebration. The passion of the fandom is contagious, and the celebrity appearances and major announcements never disappoint!
Fan favorite Ian McDiarmid, aka Emperor Palpatine, delighted the audience with his iconic laugh in 2023:
The event launched in 1999 to promote The Phantom Menace and takes place most years, sometimes consecutively, other times with a year or two between. Hosted in cities across the U.S. and abroad, it most recently landed in Anaheim in 2022, London in 2023, and Japan in 2025. (The event was on hiatus in 2024.)
AND, big news… Star Wars Celebration will return to Los Angeles in 2027 to mark the 50th anniversary of Star Wars: A New Hope. How can it be 50 years already… and still going strong!
Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen reunite at Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2022:
Star Wars‘ Japanese Roots
This is the second time Star Wars Celebration has taken place in Japan, and the location is especially significant because Japanese pop culture, history, and cinema were highly influential to George Lucas in his creation of Star Wars.
Samurai films have inspired many elements in the Star Wars franchise, including iconic features like Darth Vader’s helmet, which was partially based on samurai armor. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg.
Japan’s influence on Star Wars continues today, as evidenced in series like The Mandalorian, which draws inspiration from Japanese manga.
Similarly, Godzilla influences can be seen in series like The Book of Boba Fett or Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
Star Wars Celebration 2025
In addition to major announcements and celebrity guest appearances, Star Wars Celebration boasts immersive exhibits, an interactive show floor, screenings, panels, autograph sessions, fan-inspired activities, costumes, and exclusive merchandise. If you’ve been following along on social media, you’re already aware of the impressive celebrity guest list and exciting adventures on the horizon for Star Wars fans. But, in case you missed it, let’s take a look!
Hot Tip: Get in on the action by watching the live stream HERE at StarWars.com.
Star Wars Celebration 2025: Celebrity Guest List
Many celebrities attending the convention this year have portrayed multiple characters across various Star Wars films and TV shows. Here are some of the roles you might recognize them from:
- Hayden Christensen – Anakin Skywalker (Star Wars Prequels)
- Vanessa Marshall – Hera Syndulla (Star Wars Rebels)
- Diego Luna – Cassian Andor (Rogue One)
- Sam Witwer – Zabrak Maul (The Clone Wars)
- Anthony Daniels – C-3PO (All 11 Star Wars feature films)
- Temuera Morrison – Jango Fett (Attack of the Clones)
- Doug Chiang – Production Designer (Several Star Wars live-action series)
- Ashley Eckstein – Ahsoka Tano (The Clone Wars)
- Alan Tudyk – K2SO (Rogue One)
- Manny Jacinto – Qimir (The Acolyte)
- Daniel Logan – Young Boba Fett (Attack of the Clones)
- Ahmed Best – Jar Jar Binks (The Phantom Menace)
- John Knoll – Visual Effects Supervisor (Industrial Light & Magic)
- Rosario Dawson – Ahsoka Tano (Ahsoka Tano)
- Mads Mikkelsen – Galen Erso (Rogue One)
Not to mention Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian), Ryan Gosling (Upcoming – Star Wars: Starfighter), and more!
Star Wars Celebration 2025: Highlights & Announcements
Star Wars Celebration featured countless panels and a number of announcements. While some of these had been previously rumored or revealed, it’s reassuring to hear more formal confirmations, see that projects are progressing, and discover new elements unveiled for the first time. Here are a few fun highlights from the event:
Day 3 – NEW!
New Details and Images for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
On Day 3, fans got an expanded look at the updates coming to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, thanks to Star Wars Celebration’s Walt Disney Imagineering panel. Heading to the parks the same day The Mandalorian and Grogu hits theaters (May 22, 2026), the ride will feature a new storyline and new gameplay additions. Guests onboard the attraction will be able to control their destination, and engineer positions will be able to communicate with Grogu.
Here’s the setup: Hondo Ohnaka is privy to a deal between ex-Imperial officers and pirates on Tatooine, and a bounty has been put out for their capture. Thus begins your mission to track them down with Mando and Grogu!
At the 2025 SXSW Conference, three new locations were teased for the attraction—Bespin, Endor, and Tatooine—along with corresponding images offering an early glimpse. During Star Wars Celebration, a fourth was revealed: the city-planet of Coruscant.
In addition to the new location and gameplay elements, new artwork was unveiled for Bespin…
Endor…
and Tatooine.
So, which coordinates are you locking in—Coruscant, Endor, or Bespin?
Details Revealed For Star Wars Celebration 2027
Exciting news! Star Wars Celebration is heading back to California in 2027 to honor the 50th anniversary of its first film, A New Hope.
The event will return to LA for the first time since 2006 and will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Days 1 & 2
Star Wars: Starfighter, a standalone adventure that takes place five years after the events of Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, stars Ryan Gosling and is coming to theaters May 28, 2027.
View this post on Instagram
Here’s the new teaser trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu starring Pedro Pascal, confirmed to be hitting theaters on May 22, 2026.
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A new poster gives us a fresh look at Light and Magic Season 2, now streaming on Disney+.
Maul – Shadow Lord, a Star Wars original animated series starring fan favorite Sam Witwer, arrives on Disney+ in 2026.
Hayden Christensen will return for Ahsoka Season 2!
The Andor cast was out in full force to promote Season 2. Fans are anxiously awaiting the three-episode premiere, which debuts on April 22 on Disney+. Who’s watching? I sure am!
Star Wars Celebration 2025: Merchandise
Of course, new products are in order in honor of Star Wars Celebration 2025! From apparel and accessories to toys and collectibles, plenty of exciting items have been announced. So, may the Force be with us as we journey through them!
Available at the Celebration
Guests attending the event can visit the Grogu: Cutest in the Galaxy pop-up at the convention center for apparel, mini collectibles, and more!
I’m loving these limited edition ATH-CKS50TW2 earbuds from Audio Technica, and not only will they be available at Star Wars Celebration (in limited quantities), they’ll be heading online beginning April 21. Four galactic options include Darth Vader, R2-D2, the Mandalorian, and Grogu, each with their own distinct sound effects. This is the way!
The Star Wars Celebration Exclusive edition of the 1/6th scale Stormtrooper (Cherry Blossom Version) from Hot Toys features a unique cherry-blossom pattern and includes a Star Wars Celebration-themed backdrop.
This exclusive Star Wars Celebration 2025 tile is available at the LEGO Star Wars booth as a special gift with purchase.
Although several items from Hasbro’s STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES can be purchased online, this Ronin & R5-D56 collector set ($69.99) is available at Star Wars Celebration Japan.
Amazon Logo Apparel, Accessories, and More
Amazon, the Official Retail Partner of Star Wars Celebration Japan, has a lineup of goodies for fans at home, available for a limited time. Featured items include logo apparel, Hasbro figures, and more! Those who didn’t get to attend the celebration can still commemorate the event with these themed pieces.
- STAR WARS Young Men’s Celebration The Rising Force Short Sleeve T-Shirt ($25.00)
- STAR WARS Women’s Junior’s Celebration The Rising Force Cropped Baby Tee ($28.00)
- Industrial Light & Magic ILM 50th Anniversary Logo T-Shirt ($22.99)
- STAR WARS Men’s Celebration The Rising Force Pullover Hoodie ($50.00)
- Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 Logo & Darth Vader Key Art T-Shirt ($22.99)
- Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 Darth Vader Key Art T-Shirt ($22.99)
- Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 Darth Vader Key Art + Logo Stainless Steel Insulated Tumbler ($24.99)
- STAR WARS Echo Dot Bundle: Includes Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 release) | Charcoal and Limited Edition STAR WARS TIE Fighter Stand ($97.98 – Available for Pre-Order: This item will be released on May 6, 2025.)
LEGO Star Wars
LEGO and Star Wars go hand in hand, and there are some epic pieces to explore!
- Brick-Built Star Wars Logo ($59.99)
- Kylo Ren Helmet ($69.99)
- Jango Fett Helmet ($69.99 – Available now for pre-order or May 1 purchase)
- K-2SO Security Droid ($89.99 – Pre-order: April 18th, Available: August 1st)
- Jango Fett’s Firespray-Class Starship ($299.99 – Available now for pre-order or May 1 purchase)
- Chopper (C1-10P) Astromech Droid ($99.99 – Available for Pre-Order April 15 or May 1 for purchase)
- Kylo Ren’s Command Shuttle ($69.99 – Available now for pre-order or May 1 for purchase)
- Rebel U-Wing Starfighter ($69.99 – Available now for pre-order or May 1 for purchase)
Hasbro Collectibles
New additions to the Black Series and Vintage Collection have been announced. Let’s take a look!
STAR WARS: THE BLACK SERIES
- Han Solo ($24.99 – Pre-order: April 18 at 3 PM ET on Hasbro Pulse – Available Summer 2025)
- Chewbacca ($24.99 (Pre-order on April 18 at 3 PM ET on Hasbro Pulse, Amazon, and participating retailers; available Summer 2025)
- Dash Rendar ($24.99 – Pre-order on April 18 at 3 PM ET on Pulse, Amazon, and Fan Channel retailers; available Summer 2025)
- Nightsister Merrin ($24.99 – Pre-order on April 18 at 3 PM ET on Hasbro Pulse, Amazon, and participating retailers; available Summer 2025)
- Cal Kestis, BD-1, Turgle, and Skoova Stev ($44.99 – Pre-order on April 18 at 12 PM ET on Amazon; available Summer 2025)
STAR WARS: THE VINTAGE COLLECTION
- Bantha and Tusken Raider ($69.99 – Pre-order on Hasbro Pulse: April 18 at 3 PM ET – Available Summer 2025)
- Cobb Vanth ($16.99 – Pre-order on April 18 at 3 PM ET on Hasbro Pulse, Amazon, and participating retailers; available Summer 2025)
- Moff Gideon (Dark Trooper Armor) ($16.99 – Pre-order on April 18 at 3 PM ET on Hasbro Pulse, Amazon, and participating retailers; available Summer 2025)
- Crosshair ($16.99 – Pre-order on April 18 at 3 PM ET on Hasbro Pulse, Amazon, and participating retailers; available Summer 2025)
- Rocket Launcher Trooper ($16.99 – Pre-order on April 18 at 3 PM ET on Hasbro Pulse, Amazon, and participating retailers; available Summer 2025)
- Nightsister Merrin ($16.99 – Pre-order on April 18 at 3 PM ET on Hasbro Pulse, Amazon, and participating retailers; available Summer 2025)
Coming Later This Year
- STAR WARS POWER CRYSTAL LIGHTSABER! ($44.99 – Available Fall 2025)
For even more Star Wars Merchandise, visit our article:
STAR WARS MERCH BLAST: May the 4th, Star Wars Nite & Season of the Force!
And don’t miss our full guide to Season of the Force:
Season of the Force 2025 Guide: All the Star Wars Food, Merch, and Galactic Fun at Disneyland
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Let’s Hear From You!
Have you attended a Star Wars Celebration, or hope to in the future? What do you think of the announcements so far? Is any of the merch calling your name? Looking forward to the next Star Wars Celebration in Los Angeles? Let us know in the comments below!
