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Credit: LucasfilmDisney is preparing to reshape the future of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in a move that signals a major evolution for the land.
Nearly seven years after Galaxy’s Edge first opened at Disneyland Resort, Disney has confirmed sweeping updates that will dramatically change how guests experience Batuu. Originally designed as a location firmly rooted in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, the land has gradually shifted over time—and now it’s heading into its most ambitious transformation yet.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge remains one of the most expansive and detailed lands Disney has ever built, placing guests inside a fully realized corner of the Star Wars universe at both Disneyland Park in California and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida.
Instead of replicating settings pulled directly from the films, Imagineers created Batuu, a distant Outer Rim planet centered around the rugged Black Spire Outpost. Guests are surrounded by towering rock formations, weathered spaceports, and alien storefronts, with story elements unfolding around them—from Resistance operations to First Order patrols marching through the streets.
Two major attractions anchor the land. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run invites guests aboard the galaxy’s most famous ship, assigning each rider a role that directly affects the outcome of the mission.
That attraction will soon see a significant update. In late May, characters from The Mandalorian will take center stage, with Mando and “Baby Yoda” woven into the experience to coincide with Lucasfilm’s upcoming theatrical release, The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026).
On the other side of the land, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance delivers a sprawling, multi-part adventure that blends massive sets, ride systems, and live-action moments, placing guests in the middle of a clash between the Resistance and the First Order.
What truly sets Galaxy’s Edge apart, however, is its layered atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy themed drinks at Oga’s Cantina, sample food inspired by galactic cultures, or take part in hands-on experiences like building a custom lightsaber or assembling a droid. Every detail—from the merchandise to roaming characters—works together to sell the illusion that Batuu is a living, breathing world.
Soon, that world will expand even further.
“Beginning April 29, 2026, visitors will be invited to immerse themselves in different points of the Star Wars saga inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park as they never have before,” Disney Parks Blog announced this week, “with characters and storylines that capture the heart of what draws guests to this galaxy far, far away.”
Those characters include some of the most iconic figures in film history. Disney has confirmed that Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia—portrayed by Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher—will begin appearing in Galaxy’s Edge starting April 29. The company also detailed where guests may encounter them throughout the land:
Darth Vader’s search for Luke Skywalker will bring him to Batuu. This Sith Lord will be joined by Imperial Stormtroopers, and as they seek the elusive Jedi, they may find hints of the Force around the outpost.
Leia Organa and Han Solo will be reunited with Luke Skywalker and Chewbacca amid the rocky spires.
Luke Skywalker will roam the outpost seeking knowledge of the Force and artifacts related to lightsaber building, kyber crystals, and more.
Leia Organa may be spotted near the Millennium Falcon, where she’ll recruit travelers and locals to help keep Luke safe.
Han Solo will also linger around his prized ship, tempted by the local cantina.
Disney has also made it clear that familiar faces currently found around Batuu—including Rey, the Mandalorian, and Ahsoka—will continue to appear across the land. Notably, it seems that there will no longer be Kylo Ren and the First Order patrolling the streets of Batuu, with the only Kylo Ren sighting being on Rise of the Resistance moving forward.
By blending characters from multiple eras of the Star Wars saga, Black Spire Outpost will no longer adhere strictly to its original sequel-era setting. Instead, the land will become a more flexible storytelling space, allowing Disney Experiences to highlight fan-favorite heroes and villains from across the franchise.
For those more dedicated Star Wars fans, Disney is officially retconning the story of Batuu and its appearance in the sequel trilogy timeline through a new comic book run.
Written by Ethan Sacks, who wrote the Batuu tie-in comic in 2019 when Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge first opened, “Star Wars–Echoes of the Empire” will hit stands on April 22, one week before the major change at Disneyland Resort.
“Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Chewbacca head to Batuu in search of important intel and stumble upon a dangerous relic – one that puts them on a collision course with the Empire!” the synopsis reads, per Comic Book Movie.
Ethan Sacks called “Echoes of the Empire” a “major new era” (via Jedi News):
“We’re returning to Batuu and we’re bringing the biggest stars in the Star Wars galaxy with us […] A major new era is dawning at Galaxy’s Edge and consider ECHOES OF THE EMPIRE a Holocron that reveals the secret story behind that experience. It’s going to be epic and Jedi (drawing) Masters Roi Mercado and Jethro are making sure every page looks amazing.”
While some longtime fans may view the shift as a break from Batuu’s original narrative framework, many guests will likely welcome the opportunity to encounter legendary characters like Luke Skywalker during their visit.
The changes go beyond character appearances. As guests explore the land, they’ll hear music pulled from the original six Star Wars films, including the “Main Title,” Force Theme, and recognizable pieces such as “Han Solo and the Princess,” “The Desert and the Robot Auction,” and “The Emperor.” Oga’s Cantina will continue featuring the classic “Cantina Band,” reflecting the era of the Galactic Civil War.
Retail locations will also evolve to match the expanded storytelling. First Order Cargo will become Black Spire Surplus, described as “a military salvage operation offering artifacts from across the history of the galaxy,” while Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities will rotate in new rare collectibles.
Droid Depot will introduce an earlier generation of Mubo family designs focused on BB-style droids, and Savi’s Workshop will remain a destination for guests building lightsabers as Luke Skywalker searches for deeper knowledge of the Force.
Nighttime entertainment, including “Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga” and select presentations of “Fire of the Rising Moons,” will continue, with enhancements rolling out gradually. The full scope of the Galaxy’s Edge update officially arrives on April 29, 2026.
How do you feel about Disney changing the profile of Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!