Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025: Key Highlights and News

Star Wars Celebration 2025 in Japan was a thrilling event packed with exciting announcements that have fans buzzing with anticipation. From the galaxy far, far away, we got a glimpse into the future of the franchise, including the introduction of "Star Wars: Starfighter" starring Ryan Gosling, a new animated series centered around Darth Maul, and a first look at Rory McCann taking on the role of Baylan Skoll. Additionally, attendees learned they'll soon be able to nurture Grogu on the iconic Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, among other exciting updates. Below, we've compiled the highlights you won't want to miss, and we're eager to hear what you're most excited about in the Star Wars universe!

The Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration brought forth significant updates and engaging behind-the-scenes stories for the series' second season. Rory McCann, stepping into the role of Baylan Skoll following Ray Stevenson's passing, was showcased in a first-look image that has fans eager for more. The confirmation of Hayden Christensen reprising his role as Anakin Skywalker in Season 2 added to the excitement. The panel also teased the return of beloved characters like Sabine, Ezra, Zeb, and Chopper, along with Admiral Ackbar's pivotal role against Grand Admiral Thrawn. Fans can also look forward to the charm of Loth-Kittens and, according to Dave Filoni, an array of spacecraft including X-Wings, A-Wings, and more mysterious wings.

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

Hayden Christensen shared insights on returning to the role of Anakin Skywalker after nearly two decades, expressing his affinity for the darker tones in Star Wars narratives. He even disclosed his favorite Anakin meme, adding a personal touch to the anticipation for Ahsoka Season 2.

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

Rosario Dawson shared a humorous anecdote about being surprised by Mark Hamill's return as Luke Skywalker on the set of The Book of Boba Fett. She, like many, expected Plo Koon to be the savior, a clever misdirection by Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau in the scripts.

The Mandalorian and Grogu Panel, Everything Revealed

The Mandalorian & Grogu panel kicked off Star Wars Celebration, announcing the film's theatrical release on May 22, 2026. The first Star Wars movie since 2019's The Rise of Skywalker, the panel showcased thrilling footage, including an Imperial ship ready for battle, Mando facing off against Flame Troopers, collapsing AT-AT walkers, and a charming glimpse of Grogu's antics. Additionally, the panel introduced Star Wars: Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, set for a May 28, 2027 release.

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

Sigourney Weaver, joining The Mandalorian & Grogu, shared her experience at Star Wars Celebration, admitting she hadn't watched the series before being cast. She spoke fondly of how Grogu captured her heart and playfully speculated on whether Grogu could rival a Xenomorph in power.

Image Credit: Disney and Lucasfilm

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

Star Wars Celebration introduced Star Wars: Starfighter, with Ryan Gosling leading the cast. Set five years after The Rise of Skywalker, the film promises a fresh narrative, joining other anticipated projects like those from Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, James Mangold, Taika Waititi, and Simon Kinberg. For more details, explore our comprehensive coverage of Star Wars: Starfighter's plot and timeline.

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 shared insights on future Star Wars experiences at Disney Parks. Highlights included a The Mandalorian & Grogu-themed update to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and the introduction of adorable BDX droids. They discussed their approach to bringing the magic of Star Wars to life, allowing fans to immerse themselves in beloved stories and characters.

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

As The Mandalorian & Grogu prepares for its theatrical debut on May 22, 2026, Din Djarin and Grogu will also feature in a new story-based mission at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Guests will join forces with Mando and Grogu to chase down ex-Imperial officers and pirates across the galaxy, with engineers getting the unique opportunity to care for Grogu and choose the adventure's course to destinations like Bespin, the Death Star wreckage above Endor, or Coruscant.

Everything Announced at the Andor Panel

Andor's second and final season, set to premiere on Disney+ on April 22, was highlighted at Star Wars Celebration. Diego Luna hinted that viewers should revisit Rogue One after Season 2 for a new perspective. The upcoming season promises to be even more ambitious, featuring extensive sets, costumes, creatures, droids, and VFX shots. Dive deeper into the Andor universe with our panel recap.

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

Star Wars Celebration announced Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord, an animated series set to premiere on Disney+ in 2026. Following Sam Witwer's Darth Maul after The Clone Wars, the series will explore his efforts to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a planet untouched by the Empire.

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 Volume 3 will launch on October 29, 2025, and a new spin-off series will debut with the continuation of The Ninth Jedi story from Volume 1, expanding the universe's storytelling scope.

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

Star Wars Outlaws fans can look forward to A Pirate's Fortune, a new story update available on May 15. Kay Vess and Nix will team up with Hondo Ohnaka to confront Stinger Tash and her gang, the Rokana Raiders, in a thrilling smuggling adventure set after the main campaign.

Star Wars Outlaws Release Date Announced for Nintendo Switch 2

Ubisoft's Star Wars Outlaws will hit the Nintendo Switch 2 on September 4, 2025, offering fans a chance to explore the game's universe on the new console shortly after its June 5 launch.

Hasbro Reveals Incredible New Dash Rendar and Jedi: Survivor Figures

Hasbro delighted fans with new figures of Dash Rendar and an extensive lineup inspired by Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, including Nightsister Merrin, a three-pack of Cal Kestis, Turgle, and Skoova Stev, and more. Check out the full range in our slideshow.

Everything Revealed at Hasbro's Star Wars Celebration 2025 Panel

View 198 ImagesHasbro Reveals New The Mandalorian Figures at Star Wars Celebration 2025

Hasbro also unveiled new figures from The Mandalorian, including Moff Gideon in his Dark Trooper armor and Cobb Vanth, both joining the Star Wars: The Vintage Collection. These 3.75-inch scale figures, inspired by classic Kenner designs, will be available for pre-order on April 18 at a price of $16.99 each.

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

View 21 ImagesStar 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-themed Monopoly looks, a sticker album, podracing in the Mos Espa Grand Arena, and collectible in-game items, enriching the gaming experience with a touch of the galaxy far, far away.