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VIDEO – “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” opening night brings Rian Johnson, Chris Hardwick to El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood

in Entertainment, Events, Movies, Movies & TV, Star Wars

Posted on by Mike Celestino
Stormtroopers greet guests in front of the vibrant “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” movie poster display at El Capitan Theatre, immersing visitors in the blockbuster magic of Rian Johnson’s galactic adventure.

It is upon us. The highly-anticipated Episode VIII in the ongoing Star Wars phenomenon, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” has finally opened in theaters nationwide. But there’s no better place to see it than at the Disney-run El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California.

For the opening night of the new movie, the El Capitan had a tremendous AT-M6 Gorilla Walker outside its doors on Hollywood Boulevard, and a meet-and greet with First Order Stormtroopers in the lobby. Plus, a full-size replica of BB-8 and the theater’s award-winning organist entertained fans as they waited for the show to begin.

WATCH OPENING NIGHT FESTIVITIES:

As a very special surprise, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” director Rian Johnson came out on stage to introduce the first screening. He was helped by comedian and Nerdist CEO Chris Hardwick, the movie’s producer Ram Bergman, and a pre-recorded video appearance from none other than Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill.

WATCH RIAN JOHNSON INTRODUCTION:

Before each showing of “The Last Jedi” at El Capitan, the theater presents a delightfully energetci Laser and Light show that includes a character appearance by Rey live on stage.

WATCH PRE-MOVIE LASER LIGHT SHOW:

Down in the lower level of the El Capitan, fans can check out a great-looking costume display for “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” either before or after they watch the movie. The exhibit includes outfit worn by Mark Hamill as Luke, Daisy Ridley as Rey, Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, and the late Carrie Fisher as General Leia Organa.

WATCH COSTUME DISPLAY:

The opening-night event was the culmination of an eight-movie marathon that included the Star Wars prequels, the original trilogy, “The Force Awakens,” and “The Last Jedi.” I spoke with the event’s producer Chris Hardwick of Nerdist Industries about why the El Capitan is the best theater to watch Star Wars movies, and what he was looking forward to most in “The Last Jedi.”

WATCH CHRIS HARDWICK INTERVIEW:

“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” plays from now through January 28th at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California. Be sure to visit the theater’s official website for more information and advance ticketing resources.

PHOTOS:

The El Capitan Theatre glows with a massive “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” marquee on opening night, drawing crowds of fans and attentive security to the bustling Hollywood entertainment hotspot. An impressive AT-AT Walker replica from Star Wars: The Last Jedi stands outside the famed El Capitan Theatre, surrounded by elegant historic architecture and palm trees, creating an electrifying opening night atmosphere for fans and moviegoers. “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” in bold red letters lights up the event space, setting the scene for a blockbuster celebration at El Capitan Theatre. Fans and themed props create an atmosphere bursting with energy, capturing the thrill of Rian Johnson’s highly anticipated premiere—an experience reminiscent of epic attractions found in top entertainment destinations. El Capitan Theatre’s neon marquee shines brightly at night, inviting Star Wars fans to an epic Rian Johnson-directed The Last Jedi movie marathon right in the heart of Hollywood’s entertainment scene. Star Wars fans gather outside Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre, where a towering AT-AT walker welcomes guests for The Last Jedi’s opening night celebration. An impressive AT-AT Walker replica towers outside the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain, its frame bathed in vibrant purple lights against the night sky—a showstopping Star Wars: The Last Jedi display that captures the dazzling atmosphere of special event nights at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre. AT-AT walker towering beside a glowing theater marquee and swaying palm trees on Hollywood Boulevard at dusk, transporting guests into the Star Wars: The Last Jedi experience near the legendary El Capitan Theatre. Kylo Ren strikes a pose with his red lightsaber at the Star Wars: The Last Jedi celebration inside Hollywood’s iconic El Capitan Theatre, surrounded by dramatic movie-themed backdrops honoring Rian Johnson’s blockbuster adventure. A Star Wars fan in a blue jacket wielding a red lightsaber poses in front of a Star Wars: The Last Jedi event backdrop at the El Capitan Theatre. Star Wars fan grinning with a red crossguard lightsaber in hand, posing before a Star Wars: The Last Jedi backdrop at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre.

in Entertainment, Events, Movies, Movies & TV, Star Wars

Mike Celestino

After growing up on Long Island, Mike has spent his adult life in Southern California. He’s been fascinated by theme parks since a very early age, and has contributed to Inside the Magic since April of 2015. His other interests include Star Wars, LEGO, and The Muppets.

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