Star Wars Celebration 2025 – Disney+ Series, Theatrical Films, and First Looks
The Force was strong in Tokyo this year as Star Wars Celebration 2025 wrapped up an unforgettable weekend at Makuhari Messe Convention Center. With over 105,000 fans from 125 countries, this year’s event became the biggest international Star Wars Celebration ever. From theatrical announcements to Disney+ premieres, Lucasfilm delivered three days of nonstop panels, celebrity appearances, first looks, and surprises.
Star Wars: Starfighter, The Mandalorian & Grogu, and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Update
Friday began with a major theatrical reveal: Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, is set to debut on May 28, 2027. Set five years after The Rise of Skywalker, this standalone story introduces new characters in a previously unexplored timeline.
Later that day, Jon Favreau, Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, and Grogu himself took the stage to preview The Mandalorian & Grogu, hitting theaters May 22, 2026. Behind-the-scenes photos and a first look were shared with the crowd, promising a galaxy-spanning cinematic adventure.
To coincide with the film’s release, Disney Parks announced a significant update to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disneyland. Beginning May 22, 2026, the ride will feature a brand-new mission that includes Grogu and Din Djarin. Guests will board the Falcon for a secret hyperspace delivery run involving Beskar cargo, with Grogu using the Force to assist mid-flight. The update introduces new audio, enhanced animatronics, and a surprise cameo that directly ties into the film’s events. Behind-the-scenes photos and a first look were shared with the crowd, promising a galaxy-spanning cinematic adventure.
ILM’s 50th Anniversary – Light & Magic Season 2
A celebration of Industrial Light & Magic marked the company’s 50th year of innovation. Fans were treated to an exclusive look at Light & Magic Season 2, a three-part documentary series directed by Joe Johnston. The panel featured Ron Howard, Ahmed Best, Doug Chiang, Janet Lewin, John Knoll, and more. The series explores ILM’s pioneering digital era, from CG breakthroughs to digital water effects.
20 Years of Lucasfilm Animation
Lucasfilm Animation celebrated its 20th anniversary with a packed panel featuring Dave Filoni, Athena Portillo, and surprise guest Sam Witwer. Fans got the world premiere of Tales of the Underworld, debuting May 4, 2025, featuring stories centered on Asajj Ventress and Cad Bane.
Filoni then unveiled Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord, a new series starring Witwer, set to premiere in 2026. Attendees received a special 20th anniversary poster.
Meanwhile, younger fans got news of Young Jedi Adventures Season 3, launching Fall 2025. The new season will introduce the droid shop owner Dotti and three new friends: Beepers, Dozer, and Gigi.
Disney+ Highlights: Andor and Ahsoka
Saturday turned the spotlight on popular Disney+ originals. Andor returns April 22, 2025, with a 12-episode final season divided into four narrative arcs. Series creator Tony Gilroy, star Diego Luna, and the cast previewed what’s ahead. Guests also received an exclusive recap, episode screening, and celebration poster.
Next, the cast and creatives behind Ahsoka shared early production insights. Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau confirmed Hayden Christensen’s return as Anakin Skywalker. Actor Rory McCann joins the cast as Baylan Skoll, a role originated by the late Ray Stevenson. Attendees viewed never-before-seen images and new concept art.
LEGO Star Wars and Visions Volume 3
Lucasfilm announced LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild Galaxy – Pieces of the Past, starring Sig Greebling, Darth Dev, and Jedi Bob. A new threat rises in this animated saga where Force Builders and Sith Breakers unite.
Star Wars: Visions Volume 3, premiering on October 29, 2025, features nine anime shorts from nine Japanese studios, including Trigger, Wit Studio, and Kamikaze Douga. A sizzle reel and cast list, including George Takei and Stephanie Hsu, were revealed.
The weekend ended with the announcement of Star Wars: Visions Presents – The Ninth Jedi, a limited series premiering in 2026 that continues Lah Kara’s story from Volume 1.
Revenge of the Sith 20th Anniversary and Final Highlights
As a final surprise, Lucasfilm confirmed that Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith will return to theaters on April 25 for its 20th anniversary. The film will play in the U.S. and select international theaters for one week only, including in 4DX.
A closing photo op at Tokyo’s historic Zojoji Temple brought together Lucasfilm’s biggest stars and creators, including Kathleen Kennedy, Dave Filoni, Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, Rosario Dawson, Hayden Christensen, and Ryan Gosling