To say that I am a Star Wars fan is an understatement. I can’t even tell you how many times, I have seen Episode IV (Star Wars: A New Hope) and V (The Empire Strikes Back) which are my favorites. I am old school when it comes to Star Wars episodes. From the moment, the first cast picture was released for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, I have watched every trailer and read every article about the newest cast members, to trying to decipher who is who and what is what!!
April 29th, Pinewood Studios, UK ? Writer/Director/Producer J.J. Abrams (top center right) at the cast read-through of Star Wars: Episode VII at Pinewood Studios with (clockwise from right) Harrison Ford, Daisy Ridley, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Producer Bryan Burk, Lucasfilm President and Producer Kathleen Kennedy, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Mark Hamill, Andy Serkis, Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, Adam Driver and Writer Lawrence Kasdan.Ph: David James Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved
I even bought myself a Star Wars: The Force Awakens lunch box.
Then the unimaginable happened! I received an invite for the Disney, Lucasfilm, ABC & Marvel hosted event for the Top 25 Bloggers. I was completely freaking out and jumping for joy to myself when I read that email and I was at work so I could hardly contain myself all day.
Middle School Memories of Star Wars
Star Wars is yes, a very iconic movie and for some like myself a movie with memories that go way back to the original trilogy. Yes, I am old enough to have seen the Episode IV (Star Wars: A New Hope), V (The Empire Strikes Back) and Episode VI (The Return of the Jedi) in the theaters. What made Star Wars so special for me was seeing it for the first time with my friends. You see I had just moved to a new town and didn’t know anyone. I really felt out of place. I think we all agree middle school is hard especially if you are new AND if you are one of the few black kids in the school, doubly hard. Yikes, right!
But as the way things happen, I eventually found my tribe. I admit it I was a nerd. And where do you find nerds and geeks, the library of course. Right before school ended, I just remember that one of my friends had heard of Star Wars and suggested we go see it. Of course, my mom, god rest her soul, agreed to drive us to the Mall. From the first moment I saw the scroll that is now so recognized, I was hooked. It was a movie that just spoke to me; it was sci-fi, action, light sabers, Han Solo (somethings never change, who doesn’t a sarcastic scoundrel with one-liners) and of course the greatest villain of all time, Darth Vader. Just a great story about finding a purpose, your people and fitting in all set in the future with a lot of action.
I even made my dad take the entire family to see it and we were all hooked. As you can imagine, middle school girls and their dads don’t have a lot in common, but we did in Star Wars. I think it was just the good vs. evil aspect that my dad liked and that James Earl Jones voiced Darth Vader. I know that if my dad were alive today, he would be first in line when Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens. And I think as a participant of the Civil Rights movement, he would be happy that JJ Abrams and the producers cast such a diverse range of actors in the lead roles.
Here is what’s on tap for the STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS and ABC Television Event Trip:
- Interviews with STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS cast including Daisy Ridley (Rey); John Boyega (Finn); Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron); Lupita Nyong’o (Maz Kanata) AND Han Solo himself Harrison Ford (let’s hope that I don’t lose it.) Plus Interviews with director JJ Abrams and Producer Extraordinaire and PRESIDENT of Lucasfilm Kathleen Kennedy. Kathleen Kennedy has produced E.T., Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, Sea Biscuit and so many more to name.
Star Wars Trailer
- Attend an early press day for the upcoming Walt Disney Animation Studios’ release ZOOTOPIA (opening in theatres on 3/4/16) where you will preview footage from the film, interview the filmmakers and receive a drawing demonstration from the animators who are currently working on the film!
Zootopia Sloth Trailer
- Visit the set of “Marvel’s Agent Carter”, to get a glimpse of what glamorous action heroine Peggy Carter and Jarvis might be up to next. (Premiering January 5th at 9:00/8:00c)
- Interview Chris Harrison, the host of ABC’s long-running hit romance reality series, “The Bachelor,” as well as “The Bachelorette” and “Bachelor in Paradise.” (Premiering January 4th at 9:00/8:00c)
- Meet up with The Great Christmas Light Fight” host & judge Carter Oosterhouse and Taniya Nayak.
- Q&A with Timothy Omundson (who plays “King Richard”) and two executive producers of Galavant – including Dan Fogelman (of “Tangled” and “Crazy Stupid Love” fame). (Season 2 premieres January 3rd at 8pm/7pm central)
Any questions for the cast of Star Wars or Agent Carter cast?
Don’t Miss Updates on NYC Single Mom #StarWarsEvent and #ABCTVEvent Articles – SUBSCRIBE to NYC Single Mom by Email!
Disclosure: NYC Single Mom’s travel and accommodations to attend the Star Wars: The Force Awakens and ABC TV Event were covered by Disney. As always, all opinions are 100% my own. #StarWarsEvent #ABCTVEvent
I’m totally jealous! This sounds like such an amazing event! I can’t wait to follow along and see how your trip goes and all the fun things you get to do!
I have a pretty calm disposition but this is such a dream come true for me!!
Is it just me or does “agent Carter” remind you of Carmen San Diego?
Loving the Star Wars lunch box..my son would be all over that like a dirty shirt!!
( I would be too!) We are HUGE star wars fans and are counting own the days until we can go!
I will agree on the Carmen San Diego hat! I could not resist the lunch box. Nuts right!! I bought tickets for that first weekend.
I was never a star wars fan but can totally see why people get so hyped about such movies… :o) Zootopia looks like heaps of fun… I have a 5 year old so they are about the only movies I get to see these days…
I love the Zootopia trailer, it looks like its going to be fun movie. And I know about seeing every animated movie.
My husband is a big Star Wars fan. We can’t wait to go see the movie. That lunchbox really is cool.
I will be one of those fans going to see it opening weekend with my daughter.
Oh wow! You are so lucky to be going! My hubby would freak if he could go to the Star Wars press event!!
it’s a conversation starter that is for sure. I had a friend from college come this past weekend and he is impressed by nothing and he was wowed as I am just typing this.
How wonderful, especially with you being such a fan. I know you will have so much fun. Lived in LA for a bunch of years and it’s a different world! Enjoy!
LA is another world just as a visitor. I can imagine you have stories to tell.
That is just way to cool! I am jealous (As I’m sure the millions of fans are too!) Congratulations : )
i am a fan but I know people like my brother who are so hardcore fans. This is a dream come true!
I’m not a huge Star Wars fan but I know plenty of people that are! This is a fabulous opportunity. I’m sure it will be a wonderful experience!
What not a Star Wars fans!!! Kidding, I have friends who have never seen it so I keep my excitement to a minimum.
oh wow! I can really tell you are such a big fan of Star Wars, I can feel your excitement just by reading this post. It saddens me at the same that your dad is no longer around to see this with you..I am excited for this too and I can’t wait to watch it with my boys :).
And oh, congratulations !
I am getting so nervous and I dont know why. I am like you are, I cant wait to see this with my daughter. I have a trust in JJ Abrams to make a good movie for the next generation and us old schoolers.
That is an amazing opportunity! Have a great time and enjoy every minute! WE can’t wait for Star Wars to come out.
My whole family is about Star Wars right now and seeing that lunch box, oh boy my kids would love to have that one! Can’t wait to see it!
I’m totally following you! I can’t wait to read your articles on your trip!
I’m a huge Star Wars fan too. I would probably fall over and die if I got the chance to meet Harrison Ford.
It’s going to be a heck of a cool experience for you. Soak up every minute and enjoy it all. Then share it with us!
This sounds like an amazing experience! Sounds like an amazing press event and great fun! Please share.