(Images courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/StarWars.UK/photos)
Tonight December 12th 2017, London hosted one of the biggest events of the year. The European Royal Premiere for Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
The stars of the franchise arrived one by one outside the Royal Albert Hall to walk down the red carpet alongside in amongst a sea excited fans. With Storm Troopers and droids all around, it surely was something quite spectacular. I watched the live video coverage of the event (which was provided by o2 Priority) as members of the cast were individually interviewed by TV presenter Edith Bowman.
Many cast members, including Daisy Ridley, Mark Hammill, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Gwendoline Christie and Andy Serkis walked straight out of their cars to greet their adoring fans by taking selfies and signing posters plus variety of Star Wars merchandise.
Although the same could not be said for Kylo Ren actor Adam Driver. This does not necessarily mean that he didn't meet his fans, but the coverage didn't appear to show him interacting with any members of the public while walking down the red carpet. Although he is seen with a serious expression on his face while walking down the red carpet and is also caught on camera giving a quick wave while mouthing "thank you" to the crowds of people gathered behind the security barriers.
And of course it wouldn't be a royal premiere without some members of the royal party. The Duke of Cambridge (HRH Prince William) and brother HRH Prince Harry (Henry) both arrived in dinner jackets and were greeted by none other than the famous BB-8 droid (full size) as they walked out onto the red carpet. There has been rumours that the royal siblings also feature in the film as Storm Troopers along side many other actors taking on the same role including Tom Hardy.
The evening was one to remember. Not just for fans but for the cast too. Many of the cast had commented when interviewed saying how amazing it all was. Actress Gwendoline Christie who plays Captain Phasma couldn't contain her excitement as she screamed "Woooooooooooo! Star Wars Premiere!" as she began to speak to Bowman. The Game of Thrones actress looked absolutely stunning in her sheer floor length spotted gown with flawless skin. She also commented as she looked around the premiere settings saying "isn't this incredible!" and "it's one of the most incredible things I've ever been to in my life." She then goes on to talk about how Star Wars has influenced her life after watched her first movie from the franchise by saying that it has been woven into her life since she was 6 years old when she watched her first Star Wars movie. She also goes on to explain that "it's so special" and she was taken aback by its power "by the amazing mix of the action, the humour, but with a kind of spirituality to it as well". Christie soon moved on to explain that she loved Princess Leia and continued to say how bold the character is. This then led onto her complimenting the talents of the late and great Carrie Fisher (Princess/General Leia Organa) who sadly passed away in December 2016.
The evening was largely overshadowed by the fact that the cast no longer have Fisher at their side and that The Last Jedi is an amazing tribute to her and to Leia. This was very apparent with Mark Hamill during his brief interview. Upon thanking his fans for the support for him and his on screen Jedi counterpart Luke Skywalker, he goes on to explain how unique The Last Jedi is in the series compared to the other movies. It then appears that Edith Bowman causes a bit of an awkward moment by mentioning the anniversary of Fisher's passing. Hamill replies by saying that "she was one of a kind obviously, we'll never replace her and it's comforting because even though it hit me really hard and I don't even though that I've come to terms with it yet, she is felt by all of us, I mean, you're all helping me get through it because even if you didn't know her personally she felt like family. So everywhere I go people are helping me deal with it. Even though, I shouldn't be upset that she's not around, I should be grateful for all the time I had with her. Ya know, I've known her since she was 19 and she was hilarious and adorable. As tough as she acted she had a sort of vulnerability, sort of like a little girl. I was protective of her, I would criticise her all the time, but as soon as anyone else criticised her I would get my back up and say don't you say that. But she was so much fun and you're going to love her tonight. She's great in the film." Bowman quickly takes over from him as he is seen taking a deep breath and sighing while tapping on his throat indicating a lump in his throat feeling due to the raw emotion that he clearly still feels over the loss of his friend. I would just like to say a huge well done to Mark Hamill for getting through what seemed to be a very emotional interview.
John Boyega (who was introduced to us in The Force Awakens) was also interviewed by Bowman during the live coverage from o2 Priority this evening. Although a little startled to see his face on such a large scale on a screen behind him, his interview was rather humorous and intriguing as he explained a new mission for his character Finn within this film. Boyega went on to explain about how he felt upon reading the script for thew next episode (episode 8) he mentions that he was pleased to be able to spend another 7 months working with the amazing cast and crew and "to be separated from Daisy Ridley was hard, but it is what it is and it's the stress of the characters that makes this so brilliant." Boyega seems to be such a nice down to earth person which is always nice to see with stars that have made it so big. He even humbly mentions that his character has "such a positive reaction, which I don't feel that I deserve. People are so supportive and I don't know what to do with that." How nice is that? John, you do deserve it. Finn is becoming a very recognisable character within the Star Wars universe and if it wasn't for his brilliant portrayal of the role things may have been very different. Boyega also goes on to elaborate on what he takes away from being in this film and gives a mention to Carrie just as the other cast members did. He does this by saying "family is the biggest thing, especially in terms for our late great Carrie Fisher, it's coming up to a year and it's strange to see how it goes, it's something that's going to last a lifetime. I will pass away one day, everybody will pass away and it's crazy to see that the fans appreciate what you've done and it's a family. She's amazing". The interview rounds up to an end before he exits the stage he shouts "Everyone enjoy the film! Boo Yaka Shah! (Apologies if I have spelt that incorrectly).
During the live coverage that I watched this evening there did not appear to be interviews from either Daisy Ridley or Adam Driver. Although I did watch this live coverage on the Star Wars Facebook page and many people in the comments section had stated that Daisy's interview was cut short. So this may have been a technical error. Also during another interview which is think was John Boyega's, presenter Edith Bowman is heard to mention talking to Adam earlier on in the evening. I can only assume she is referring to Adam Driver. If these interviews did take place I'm disappointed that they weren't shown on the coverage that I was watching. Oh well.
Lastly, all red carpet events are oozing glamour. And the one thing that gets people talking is the attire of the cast. Male cast members were seen wearing the typical dark suits as you'd expect to see. So not much to talk about there. However I can discuss the dresses of the ladies on the red carpet. Let's start with Captain Phasma actress Gwendoline Christie. She looked absolutely stunning. Not at all like Brienne of Tarth (her character in TV show Game of Thrones). She wore a beautiful floaty and sheen nude coloured floor length gown that was scattered with what I think was polka dots which were possibly black or navy blue. She actually looked rather angelic.
Laura Dern is new to the films as the character Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo. Again she looked beautiful with her long blonde wavy hair floating either side of her face and over her shoulders while wearing a floor length pale pink feathery gown.
Actress Kelly Marie Tran (who plays the character of Rose Tico) seemed to have stolen the evening with her gown. Like Christie she appeared rather angelic yet bridal while wearing a lovely floor length A-line ivory dress which included intricate silvery grey lace detailing on the top half. Now I can't leave out the the leading lady. Daisy Ridley did look beautiful as she pulled off an edgy look with her hair in an up-do. But she seemed to be sporting what I can only describe as a bin liner. The actress wore a long black, shiny, single shouldered draped style dress. It did look nice and Daisy is the type of actress that is so naturally beautiful she can pull off pretty much any look she desires. But I am a reviewer and I can't lie, it did make me look twice.
That pretty much rounds up my recap from tonight's big Star Wars Premiere. Did you catch the same live coverage that I did? Or did you attend the screening? If so, please no spoilers.
May the force be with you!