Work is moving right along on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge The cast for Star Wars: Episode IX has been announced. According to StarWars.com:
Returning cast members include Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, and Billie Lourd. Joining the cast of Episode IX are Naomi Ackie and Richard E. Grant, who will be joined by veteran Star Wars actors Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, and Billy Dee Williams, who will reprise his role as Lando Calrissian.
What does that have to do with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the new land that is currently under construction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Quite possibly nothing, but I’m a dreamer so I like to think about the possibilities.
Galaxy’s Edge is supposed to open “late fall 2019”. Episode IX is set to be released on December 20, 2019. The first day of winter in 2019 is December 21, making December 20 “late fall”. Coincidence? Maybe, or maybe instead Disney is planning something big for us.
For many people, Mark Hamill is the face of Star Wars. In 2017 he was officially named a Disney Legend. He made an appearance at Star Wars Weekends in 2014. He is a favorite guest at Star Wars Celebration, and attends other popular conventions as well. Billy Dee Williams made several appearances at Star Wars Weekends, as did Anthony Daniels. Joonas Suotamo was one of the guests at the latest Star Wars: Galactic Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s not hard to imagine that Disney would contact one or more of these stars and have them appear at the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Of course, this is all speculation on my part. Galaxy’s Edge seems to be progressing well, there are noticeable changes each time I drive by. It could be that the “late fall” time frame was given so that there would be plenty of time to get things ready, instead of hurrying to get everything done like they seemed to do with Toy Story Land. Galaxy’s Edge could end up opening in November, 2019, or even earlier. I’ll share any details with you as soon as I get them. Until then, dream along with me.