The Disney D23 Expo was full of Star Wars surprises as bosses also revealed fans will soon be invited to climb aboard the Millennium Falcon with the launch of new theme park rides based on the sci-fi phenomenon at its locations in California and Orlando, Florida.
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An ambitious new addition to Disneyland and Disney World will be made over the few years that will see several “Star Wars” themed lands added to the parks.
The new lands will resemble what Disney head Bob Iger calls “a remote trading port and one of the last stops before wild space”. It represents the largest parks expansion ever.
The second will be an epic Star Wars adventure that puts guests in the middle of a climactic battle. The visuals are typical, old-school “Star Wars” fare, so no wonder it was received with glowing reviews by the fans. During Disney’s D23 Expo it was announced that Hannibal star Mads Mikkelsen and Firefly/Serenity actor Alan Tudyk have joined the cast of Star Wars Anthology: Rogue One.
In a statement posted on the Star Wars website, Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilms and producer of the upcoming Stars Wars: Rogue One said that she has always wanted to work with Colin, who directed Jurassic World.
Rian Johnson has previously been announced to direct Episode VIII, and now Disney has confirmed rumours that Jurassic World helmer Colin Trevorrow will take on Episode IX. So, what are your thoughts on the Episode IX director and the new theme lands? They include a 4.5-hectare (11-acre) Toy Story land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. The franchise will continue to grow later this year when “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” hits theatres.
A Star Tours attraction opened at Disneyland in 1987. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can enjoy a weekend nights with a new fireworks spectacular on weekend nights, which set to John Williams’ score for the “Star Wars” films, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. That ride will also reportedly be upgraded with characters and storylines from the new film.
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The announcement of “Star Wars” lands comes as fans gear up for the December release of The Force Awakens, the opening film in a new Star Wars trilogy.
