Alex Stedman
News Editor, Variety.com
@a_sted
Get ready, “Star Wars” fans — the first merchandise from the upcoming “
Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is set to land in stores Sept. 4,
Disney announced Sunday.
In an event dubbed “Force Friday,” Disney stores and major retailers worldwide will open at 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 4 to unveil the new products, which include books, toys, comics, collectibles, apps, ebooks, apparel and more. The merch will also be available online at DisneyStore.com.
Fittingly, the announcement comes just one day before unofficial “Star Wars” holiday May the Fourth. “The Force Awakens” will hit theaters on Dec. 18.
“Every lightsaber, every action figure, every LEGO set tells a story for generations of ‘Star Wars’ fans, and this global event is a celebration of those stories. We’re excited to be part of the countdown to this enormous movie moment,” said Josh Silverman, executive vice president, global licensing at Disney Consumer Products, in a statement.
Fans are encouraged to document their experiences on the day on social media with the hashtags #ForceFriday and #MidnightMadness.
Additionally, Disney unveiled new product packaging featuring Kylo Ren, a new villain to be introduced in “The Force Awakens,” wielding a red lightsaber.
Disney acquired Lucasfilm, the
producer of “Star Wars,” for $4.05 billion in 2015. “The Force Awakens,” directed by J.J. Abrams, will be the first “Star Wars” film in ten years and will kick off a new trilogy in the franchise.
