Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025: Highlights and Major Announcements

Star Wars Celebration 2025 was an electrifying event that brought fans a galaxy full of thrilling announcements. Among the highlights was the unveiling of *Star Wars: Starfighter*, featuring Ryan Gosling in a lead role, set to hit theaters in May 2027. This film, directed by Shawn Levy, promises to introduce a brand-new character and storyline, taking place five years after *The Rise of Skywalker*. Another major reveal was the upcoming Disney+ series *Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord*, which will follow Darth Maul's journey to rebuild his criminal empire post-*The Clone Wars*. Fans also got a first look at Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll in *Ahsoka*, taking over the role following the passing of Ray Stevenson. The Ahsoka panel also confirmed Hayden Christensen's return as Anakin Skywalker for Season 2, alongside fan-favorite characters and exciting new developments. Additionally, the event announced that players can experience caring for Grogu in the updated *Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run* ride, which will feature a new story involving Din Djarin and Grogu. These announcements, among others, have left fans buzzing with anticipation for what's next in the Star Wars universe.

The *Ahsoka* panel at Star Wars Celebration was packed with exciting updates for the show's second season. Rory McCann was revealed as the new Baylan Skoll, stepping into the role after Ray Stevenson's passing. A striking first-look image of McCann as Baylan was shared, igniting fan anticipation. The panel also confirmed that Hayden Christensen will reprise his iconic role as Anakin Skywalker in Season 2. The season promises the return of beloved characters such as Sabine, Ezra, Zeb, and Chopper, along with the introduction of Admiral Ackbar's significant role, a battle against Grand Admiral Thrawn, and adorable Loth-Kittens. Dave Filoni teased fans with mentions of "X-Wings, A-Wings, and Wings I can't tell you about," adding to the excitement.

Following the announcement of his return, Hayden Christensen shared his thoughts on reprising Anakin Skywalker after nearly two decades. He expressed his appreciation for the darker tones in Star Wars narratives and even revealed his favorite Anakin meme, adding a personal touch to his comeback.

Rosario Dawson recounted a humorous anecdote about not knowing Mark Hamill would return as Luke Skywalker until he appeared on the set of *The Book of Boba Fett*. She, like many, had expected Plo Koon to be the mysterious Jedi savior, as cleverly hinted at by Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau in the scripts.

The *Mandalorian & Grogu* panel was the first major event at the celebration, announcing its theatrical release on May 22, 2026. The panel showcased exclusive footage, including scenes of an Imperial ship gearing up for battle, Mando facing Flame Troopers, collapsing AT-AT walkers in snowy landscapes, and the introduction of Sigourney Weaver's character. Grogu's adorable and mischievous antics, such as swimming and levitating objects, were also highlighted. Additionally, the panel surprised fans with the announcement of *Star Wars: Starfighter*, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, set for release on May 28, 2027.

Sigourney Weaver shared her experience joining *The Mandalorian & Grogu*, revealing she hadn't watched the series before her casting. She also spoke fondly of Grogu, who quickly won her heart, and humorously speculated on whether Grogu might be more powerful than a Xenomorph.

Image Credit: Disney and Lucasfilm

*Star Wars: Starfighter* was officially announced, with Ryan Gosling set to play a new character in a story unfolding five years after *The Rise of Skywalker*. This film adds to the growing list of upcoming Star Wars movies, including those from Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, James Mangold, Taika Waititi, and a trilogy from Simon Kinberg.

Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Live Entertainment discussed the future of Star Wars experiences at Disney Parks. This includes a *Mandalorian & Grogu*-themed update to *Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run*, introducing BDX droids, and other immersive experiences. They highlighted their approach to bringing Disney magic to life, allowing fans to engage with their favorite stories and characters in real-world settings.

The *Mandalorian & Grogu*-themed update to *Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run* will offer a new story-based mission. In this adventure, guests will join Din Djarin and Grogu to pursue a high-stakes bounty across the galaxy, prompted by Hondo Ohnaka's intel on a deal between ex-Imperial officers and pirates. Engineers will also have the unique opportunity to care for Grogu during the ride and choose their adventure's destination, including Bespin, the Death Star wreckage above Endor, or Coruscant.

The *Andor* panel announced that the series' second and final season will premiere on April 22 on Disney+. Diego Luna hinted that watching *Rogue One* after *Andor* Season 2 would offer a fresh perspective on the film. The new season promises to be even more ambitious, featuring extensive production elements like 140 sets, 700 costumes, 150 creatures, 30 droids, and over 4,000 VFX shots.

*Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord*, an animated series set to premiere on Disney+ in 2026, was unveiled. The series will follow Sam Witwer's Darth Maul as he attempts to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a planet untouched by the Empire, following the events of *The Clone Wars*.

*Star Wars: Visions* Volume 3 is slated for release on October 29, 2025, with a new spin-off series debuting alongside it, continuing the story of *The Ninth Jedi* from Volume 1.

*Star Wars Outlaws* fans can look forward to a new story update, *A Pirate’s Fortune*, releasing on May 15. This story will see Kay Vess and Nix teaming up with Hondo Ohnaka to confront Stinger Tash and her gang, the Rokana Raiders, in a smuggling mission for the Miyuki Trade League.

*Star Wars Outlaws* will be released on the Nintendo Switch 2 on September 4, 2025, shortly after the console's launch on June 5.

Hasbro delighted fans with new figures, including a Dash Rendar figure and an array of *Star Wars Jedi: Survivor* characters like Nightsister Merrin, Cal Kestis, Turgle, Skoova Stev, and more. These figures join the impressive lineup showcased at the celebration.

Everything Revealed at Hasbro's Star Wars Celebration 2025 Panel

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Hasbro also revealed new figures from *The Mandalorian*, including Moff Gideon in his Dark Trooper armor and Cobb Vanth as seen in *The Book of Boba Fett*. These figures will join the Star Wars: The Vintage Collection at a 3.75-inch scale, with packaging inspired by the classic Kenner Star Wars figures, and will be available for pre-order on April 18.

Star Wars: The Vintage Collection Moff Gideon & Cobb Vanth Figures - Preview Gallery

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*Monopoly Go* is set to launch a Star Wars event from May 1 to July 2, inspired by the Skywalker Saga and *The Mandalorian*. This event will feature Star Wars characters in Monopoly-style designs, a Star Wars Go sticker album, podracing in the Mos Espa Grand Arena, and collectible in-game items.