We're still several months away from the next major Star Wars movie, but thanks to Disneyland, the franchise is as popular as ever. The long awaited Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge officially opened at the theme park last week and several members of Star Wars royalty, including George Lucas and Harrison Ford, were in attendance for the official dedication.
Mark Hamill was also there for the grand opening, and the Luke Skywalker actor posted an image of himself and his Star Wars friends from inside the land, but with a couple of important additions. Spiritual versions of Carrie Fisher and the recently passed away Peter Mayhew were added to the shot. Check it out.
It's a lovely image that looks to have been created by a fan and shared by Hamill. It's especially perfect because while the images of Carrie Fisher and Peter Mayhew could be Force Ghosts, they also bear a striking resemblance to the hitchhiking ghosts of Disneyland's Haunted Mansion, which is fitting considering the location of Galaxy's Edge.
Considering that Mark Hamill, Billy Dee Williams, and Harrison Ford were all on hand for the dedication of Galaxy's Edge last Thursday evening, it seems a foregone conclusion that Carrie Fisher and Peter Mayhew would have been there if they had been able. It would have been an even bigger treat for the guests in attendance.
Peter Mayhew, who just died last month, did get a shout out during the dedication ceremony. A sequence played out where a cast member costumed as Chewbacca attempted to fire up the Millennium Falcon, only to have the ship fail. It was at this point that Harrison Ford arrived at the ceremony to "help out." Before giving the Falcon a good swift smack to get it running again, Ford turned to the crowd, and the camera livestreaming the event, and said "Peter, this one is for you."
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is a remarkable step forward for the franchise. It's an amazing place that truly makes you feel like you're standing in the galaxy far, far away. The land is actually part of Star Wars canon, existing at a time between Star Wars: The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. Since General Leia still lives at that point in the timeline, one wonders if the forthcoming attraction Rise of the Resistance, might include references to Leia or Carrie Fisher in some way. We know the newer Star Wars characters like Rey and Poe Dameron will be seen, and it seems like Leia needs to have a place where she is remembered.
Carrie Fisher and Peter Mayhew were always going to live forever as part of the Star Wars universe, the movies will never cease being popular. Having said that, Galaxy's Edge will exist for decades to come as a place where fans can feel even closer to their favorite characters and the people who brought them to life.
