The return of the Star Wars saga has been an emotional experience for many fans. Ever since the first film in 1977, the franchise has become part of the culture for millions of people. This includes many of the cast and crew of the new film who found themselves standing in awe when the movie began filming on board one of the film’s most storied locations, the Millennium Falcon.
J.J. Abrams has made the return of practical effects a key aspect of this new trilogy. This means that there actually was a physical Millennium Falcon set for Han Solo and Chewbacca to return to. When they did, Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy told the D23 Magazine she was profoundly emotional. She wasn’t the only one impacted by the moment.
But then, as we finished the shot, what I didn’t realize until I turned around is that more than 200 people had quietly gathered behind my chair and were also watching the monitor."
It sounds like 200 crew may have also been a bit heavy for what was actually needed that day. According to Daisy Ridley, there were several "extra" crew members who all found a reason to need to be on the set on the day that Harrison Ford first walked aboard the famous set.
The reaction isn’t even a little bit surprising. For many people, these films are like a religion, and you should be quiet and respectful when you’re in church. That had to be what the moment was like. Actually seeing the iconic ship and watching them film on board was to feel like watching history unfold in front of you. We’ve seen some of the cast react to seeing their work in the trailer. Peter Mayhew recently spoke about watching fans react to the already iconic "Chewie, we’re home" line with every emotion between laughter and tears.
The Star Wars films have spanned generations. Those who were young children when the first films came out may have brought kids of their own to the prequels. They in turn may have families to bring to The Force Awakens. One man is such a fan of the franchise that seeing the new film is his dying wish. The best art gets people emotionally invested. Star Wars has done that, without question.
There may not be a dry eye in the house when we finally see the return of Han, Chewie and The Falcon after 30 years. Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens December 18. Did you have an emotional reaction to seeing the ship again in the trailer, or was there another scene that made the hair on the back of your neck stand up?
