Loyal “Star Wars” fans see first showing of “The Last Jedi” in Los Angeles

Global Business

Star Wars: The Last Jedi - Nissan Opening NightHollywood Blvd was abuzz as Star Wars: The Last Jedi opened at the famed El Capitan Theatre. Leading the charge, literally, was the all-new Nissan Leaf and its ‘Leaf to Home’ charging unit added an additional charge to the surroundings – all while a life sized AT-M6 looked on, on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Colin Young-Wolff/Invision for Nissan/AP Images)

It’s opening weekend for “The Last Jedi” in the U.S. and fans are ready to fill up theaters across the country to be taken to a galaxy far, far away.

The latest “Star Wars” installment, however, opened one day earlier in some cities including Hollywood where it was no holds barred for anything “Star Wars.”

CGTN’s May Lee went to the most famous venue in Los Angeles to see the excitement first hand.

Fans couldn’t wait for opening night of “The Last Jedi” at the legendary TCL Chinese Theater, where tradition called for lining up to see the first showing.

Superfan Dawn Bright said, “There is, like, no other experience than lining up at the original theater that they showed “Star Wars” at.”

Kenny Hutton who brought his whole family down from Northern California said, “This is the only place to see “Star Wars” this is the original, it’s like the Alma Mater, that’s why you come here, right?”

“Star Wars”, arguably, is the only film franchise that has consistently maintained a die-hard fan base for four decades. Eight films so far have grossed more than seven and a half billion dollars worldwide.

“The Last Jedi” is projected to make up to $440 million opening weekend and fans in Hollywood were more than happy to contribute to that gigantic pot.

There’s a reason why there’s so much hoopla at the Chinese Theater. It was back in 1977 when the first “Star Wars” film debuted here. It played for 52 weeks straight and it was sold out, so this is really ground zero for “Star Wars” fans.

Photos: Fans at “The Last Jedi” premiere in L.A. 
Photos by CGTN’s May Lee.

“To be sitting here and to see it in the same theater where the original premiered 40 years ago, that’s why we’re here, to feel that magic, to feel the excitement” said Jon Donahue.

So, special was the first showing of “The Last Jedi” at the TCL Chinese Theater that the movie’s director
Rian Johnson made a surprise appearance.

“You guys are the best fans in the galaxy. I’m so psyched!” Johnson said.

Before the film began, a special moment of silence with lightsabers raised for the late Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia for the last time in “The Last Jedi.”

A fitting tribute to the rebel who led the rebellion against the dark side.