The sun shone on the red carpet this Sunday afternoon in Hollywood as celebrities and their families converged at the historic Egyptian Theater for the premiere of
Star Wars: The Clone Wars. The stretch of Hollywood Boulevard quickly clustered with curious onlookers who were seeking out stars -- both the terrestrial type and those from a galaxy far, far away...
The red carpet was flanked by attentive clone troopers from the local 501st Garrison, and within the theater courtyard and entrance could be found Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano, awaiting their behind-the-scenes counterparts and other celebrities.
From The Clone Wars cast came a number of vocal talents, stepping out from behind the microphone to shake hands with fans and stand for snapshots. Among those present were Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka Tano), Matt Lanter (Anakin Skywalker), James Arnold Taylor (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Dee Bradley Baker (the clones), Cat Taber (Padmé Amidala), Nika Futterman (Asajj Ventress), Tom Kane (Yoda), Ian Abercrombie (Palpatine), David Acord (Rotta the Huttlet), Kevin Michael Richardson (Jabba the Hutt) and Matthew Wood (the battle droids).
From The Clone Wars crew came director Dave Filoni, editor James Tucker, writers Henry Gilroy, Steven Melching and Scott Murphy, composer Kevin Kiner, and creator George Lucas.
Other celebrity guests include Seth Green and Matt Senreich, J.J. Abrams, Rodney Peete, Keenen Ivory Wayans and Forest Whitaker.
The matinee was filled with kids -- definitely a strong indication that the next generation is ready to carry the lightsaber well into the future -- and before the show started, there was no shortage of activities to keep youngsters entertained. Costume characters roamed the forecourt for photo opportunities, while LEGO building areas, Leapfrog and Wii stations let young fans play in the
Star Wars universe. Every guest received a special Clone Wars backpack filled with such goodies as Hasbro lightsabers, Jedi robes, activity books, and other fun stuff. Before the screening began, a pre-show raffle gave out such impressive prizes as a full Anakin Skywalker Episode III costume from Museum Replicas, an EFX stormtrooper helmet, framed Clone Wars art from Acme Archives, and a trip for four to Houston to experience the Clone Wars exhibit at Space Center Houston.
Dave Filoni thanked everyone in attendance with a few brief words before the feature started. "After working for three long years in total secrecy, it's great to be finally able to share our work with you," he said. He thanked his crew and his family -- especially his parents, whom he brought as guests -- for all their support and encouragement.
Though seeing a
Star Wars movie begin with a Warner Bros. logo was a new experience for this audience, traditions still held true. As the Lucasfilm logo appeared and the famous words "A long time ago in a galaxy far far away..." blazed in blue across a screen, the audience young and old alike erupted into applause as they prepared for a journey into the
Star Wars galaxy like no other.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars opens in theaters August 15. For more photos from the event, see the official Star Wars blog flickr stream here.
