"Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025: Top Highlights and News"

Star Wars Celebration 2025 was a landmark event, brimming with thrilling announcements that sent fans into a frenzy. From the galaxy far, far away, we got the first look at the upcoming film, *Star Wars: Starfighter*, starring the acclaimed Ryan Gosling. Additionally, a new series centered around the iconic Darth Maul, titled *Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord*, was unveiled, promising to delve deeper into the dark side of the Force. Fans were also treated to a glimpse of Rory McCann's portrayal of Baylan Skoll in the much-anticipated *Ahsoka* series, adding a fresh twist to the character originally played by Ray Stevenson. The excitement continued with the announcement that visitors will soon have the chance to take care of Grogu on the *Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run*, blending interactive experiences with beloved characters. With so many reveals, the Star Wars universe continues to expand in exciting new directions.

We're eager to hear which of these announcements has you most excited about the future of Star Wars! Let us know in the comments.

Star Wars Celebration's Ahsoka Panel Featured the First Look at Rory McCann's Baylan Skoll, the News of Anakin's Return, and More

The *Ahsoka* panel at Star Wars Celebration was packed with exciting reveals and behind-the-scenes insights for the show's second season. A highlight was the first look at Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll, stepping into the role following the late Ray Stevenson. The panel also confirmed that Hayden Christensen will reprise his role as Anakin Skywalker, bringing the character back into the fold.

Season 2 promises to bring back fan-favorite characters like Sabine, Ezra, Zeb, and Chopper, and introduce new elements such as Loth-Kittens and a significant role for Admiral Ackbar, who will face off against Grand Admiral Thrawn. Dave Filoni teased the inclusion of "X-Wings, A-Wings, and Wings I can't tell you about," hinting at more aerial action to come.

Hayden Christensen on Returning to Anakin Skywalker in Ahsoka and Liking When 'Star Wars Goes Dark'

Following the announcement of his return for *Ahsoka* Season 2, Hayden Christensen shared his thoughts on reprising the role of Anakin Skywalker after nearly two decades. He expressed his appreciation for the darker themes in Star Wars and even revealed his favorite Anakin meme, adding a personal touch to his comeback.

Rosario Dawson Had No Idea Mark Hamill Was Returning as Luke Skywalker in The Mandalorian Until He Walked On Set

In a surprising revelation, Rosario Dawson shared that she was unaware of Mark Hamill's return as Luke Skywalker until he appeared on the set of *The Book of Boba Fett*. The creators, Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau, had used Plo Koon as a decoy in the scripts, adding an element of surprise for the cast and fans alike.

The Mandalorian and Grogu Panel, Everything Revealed

The *Mandalorian & Grogu* panel kicked off Star Wars Celebration with a bang, announcing the film's release date of May 22, 2026, marking the first Star Wars movie on the big screen since *The Rise of Skywalker* in 2019. The panel also introduced the Shawn Levy-directed *Star Wars: Starfighter*, set to release in theaters on May 28, 2027, and starring Ryan Gosling.

Attendees were treated to exclusive footage featuring an Imperial ship ready for battle, Mando facing off against Flame Troopers, collapsing AT-AT walkers, and the first look at Sigourney Weaver's character. Of course, Grogu stole the show with his adorable antics, including swimming and levitating objects.

The Mandalorian & Grogu's Sigourney Weaver on Grogu Stealing Her Heart and More

Sigourney Weaver, joining the cast of *The Mandalorian & Grogu*, shared her experience at Star Wars Celebration. Despite not having watched the series before being cast, she quickly fell in love with Grogu, humorously comparing his power to that of a Xenomorph.

Star Wars: Starfighter Is a New Film Starring Ryan Gosling That's Arriving in Theaters in May 2027

*Star Wars: Starfighter* was another major reveal at the celebration, set to hit theaters on May 28, 2027. The film, starring Ryan Gosling, takes place five years after *The Rise of Skywalker* and introduces a brand-new character. It joins a lineup of upcoming Star Wars films, including those by Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, James Mangold, Taika Waititi, and a trilogy from Simon Kinberg.

For more details on the plot and timeline of *Star Wars: Starfighter*, check out our comprehensive coverage.

Bringing Star Wars Experiences to Life With Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Live Entertainment

Walt Disney Imagineering's Asa Kalama and Disney Live Entertainment's Michael Serna discussed the future of Star Wars experiences at Disney Parks. They revealed a *Mandalorian & Grogu*-themed update for *Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run*, the addition of adorable BDX droids, and shared insights into how they bring Disney Magic to life for fans.

The Mandalorian and Grogu-Themed Update to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Will Let Engineers Take Care of Grogu

In addition to the film's release, *The Mandalorian & Grogu* will enhance the *Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run* experience at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. The new story follows Hondo Ohnaka as he uncovers a deal on Tatooine, setting the stage for a galaxy-spanning adventure with Mando and Grogu. Engineers will have the unique opportunity to care for Grogu and choose their adventure's path, visiting Bespin, the Death Star wreckage, or the newly-revealed Coruscant.

Everything Announced at the Andor Panel

The final season of *Andor* is set to premiere on April 22 on Disney+. At Star Wars Celebration, Diego Luna hinted that viewers should watch *Rogue One* after *Andor* Season 2 for a fresh perspective. The new season promises to be more ambitious, with 140 sets, 700 costumes, 150 creatures, 30 droids, and 4,100 VFX shots.

For a deeper dive into the beloved characters and more, check out our recap of the Andor panel.

Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord Announced at Star Wars Celebration

*Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord* was announced as a new animated series set to premiere on Disney+ in 2026. It will follow Sam Witwer's Darth Maul as he attempts to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a planet untouched by the Empire, expanding his dark legacy.

Star Wars: Visions Gets a Volume 3 Release Date and a Spin-Off Series That Will Debut With a Ninth Jedi Story

*Star Wars: Visions* will return with Volume 3 on October 29, 2025, and a new spin-off series featuring the next chapter of the *Ninth Jedi* story from Volume 1, continuing to push the boundaries of Star Wars storytelling.

Star Wars Outlaws Gets Second Story Update A Pirate’s Fortune in May

*Star Wars Outlaws* fans can look forward to a new story update titled *A Pirate's Fortune* on May 15. The update will follow Kay Vess and Nix as they team up with Hondo Ohnaka to confront Stinger Tash and the Rokana Raiders, offering new smuggling missions and adventures.

Star Wars Outlaws Release Date Announced for Nintendo Switch 2

*Star Wars Outlaws* is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 on September 4, 2025, arriving shortly after the console's debut on June 5.

Hasbro Reveals Incredible New Dash Rendar and Jedi: Survivor Figures

Hasbro delighted fans with the announcement of new figures, including a Dash Rendar figure and an extensive lineup based on *Star Wars Jedi: Survivor*. The collection includes figures of Nightsister Merrin, a three-pack featuring Cal Kestis, Turgle, and Skoova Stev, and more.

Everything Revealed at Hasbro's Star Wars Celebration 2025 Panel

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Hasbro Reveals New The Mandalorian Figures at Star Wars Celebration 2025

Hasbro also unveiled new figures from *The Mandalorian*, featuring Moff Gideon in his Dark Trooper armor and Cobb Vanth in his *Book of Boba Fett* attire. Both figures will join the Star Wars: The Vintage Collection, priced at $16.99 each, with pre-orders starting on April 18 at 3pm ET/12pm PT.

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

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Star Wars and The Mandalorian Invade Monopoly Go

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