Big updates are coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and a new article on The Walt Disney Company website explains why now is the time for change. With characters from the Original Trilogy beginning to make an appearance, this veers the timeline of Black Spire Outpost on Batuu more towards the “classic-era” of the series.
Speaking with Asa Kalama, Executive, Creative & Interactive Experiences at Walt Disney Imagineering, the article mentions how the Star Wars property continues to grow and expand, and the physical theme park should reflect that as well. He also brings up the upcoming 50th anniversary of Star Wars: A New Hope and how that was an influence, also:
“One of the great things about the Star Wars universe and the Star Wars canon is that it is expansive and it continues to grow. …
[Physical environments] allow us to continue to expand the storytelling and the world building. …
[With upcoming celebratory moments] there was this sort of critical mass of more classic leaning characters, and it felt like the right time to celebrate those in the land as well.”
The article points specifically to aspects like architecture, shops, props, and music being updated to reflect the new timeline, as well as the already announced new characters appearing. We also now have a firm date for when fans can take part in the experience: April 29, 2026.
However, at this point in time, the classical era will only appear on the West Coast of the U.S. at Disneyland Resort. There’s no word on if and when the shift will occur on the East Coast at Walt Disney World Resort.
But the feature does remind theme-park goers of one change that will occur simultaneously at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort. The same day that The Mandalorian and Grogu premiere in theaters, the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run ride will feature a Mandalorian and Grogu-themed experience where guests will be able to interact with the titular pair.
For those interested, there is also a new Star Wars comic releasing in April, providing an in-canon backstory for the shift. Titled Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Echoes of the Empire, with writing provided by Ethan Sacks and art by Roi Mercado, the series will span five issues.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge welcomes elements from the Original Trilogy starting on April 29 at Disneyland Resort.
Born and raised in Hawaii, Jay Goodearl runs the YouTube Gaming channel “Good Games, Dude” His channel aims to open up video games to beginners and immediate players and help them understand what makes games the art form that it is.