Yes, it finally happened, somehow: the next Star Wars movie has arrived. We’ve spent the whole week celebrating the new movie and the entire saga, but last night, the Force was with millions of people as they headed to the theaters to see the movie. Here’s some of the coolest cosplay and moments from across the world!
Have you seen Luke Skywalker? This guy’s looking for him.
Not everyone was at a premiere to see the movie. Some were there to get married AND see the movie! Australian fans Andrew Porters and Caroline Ritter tied the knot thanks to officiator Obi-Shawn Crosby at the forecourt of Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theater. AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes
Fans decked out as members of the Rebel Alliance troop the carpet at the movie’s European premiere in London. Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Fans at the European premiere were given lightsabers to wave at passers by, but many brought their own too. Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images
A legion of Imperial troops patrol the crowds at the European premiere. Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images
Presumably, these German TIE pilots are big fans of this woman’s taste in t-shirts.
German Jedi and Sith alike converse by the light of their sabers at a midnight showing in Berlin. Sean Gallup/Getty Images
These Rebels definitely picked the wrong place to stand at the European premiere. Chris Jackson/Getty Images
So it might not be strictly cosplay, but this BB-8 dress is amazing! Robin Marchant/Getty Images
An incredibly excited Ewok takes a selfie with a suit of Stormtrooper armor at TCL Chinese Theatre. David McNew/Getty Images
Distracted by a youngling, Kylon Ren meets his end with a sinister poke outside the TCL Chinese theater. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
An Imperial Guard stands watch in Aschaffenburg, Germany.
Pro-tip: Never get into a lightsaber fight with kids (unless you’re Anakin Skywalker, probably). Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
“You don’t need to see my identification.” “I don’t need to see your identification.” “Of course I have a ticket for the premiere.” “Of course you have a ticket for the premiere...” Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Jedi vs. Jedi, live at the TCL Chinese Theater! Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
The Dark and the Light clash for the fans. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Captain Phasma gets a weapon upgrade at TCL Chinese Theater. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Rey, look out!
Fans raise their sabers inside the TCL Chinese Theater on opening night. Wait, Ewok Jedi!? Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Who knew Kylo Ren had 3D glasses on under that helmet the whole time? Handy. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
A lone Jedi and their Wookiee friend makes their way to the ArcLight Cinemas Cinerama Dome in Los Angeles on opening night. David McNew/Getty Images
Fans embrace each other as they exit a midnight screening of the movie. David McNew/Getty Images
Another happy Ewok Jedi leaves a midnight screening. David McNew/Getty Images
Kylo Ren hangs with the fans!
If you’ll allow me to get a little bit sentimental, it’s amazing to see in these pictures the sheer power of Star Wars, and how it touches the lives of so many people—young, old, men, women, united by memories and loves of a galaxy far, far, away, both a refuge of nostalgia and a land of new hopes and imagination. It really is like the force: Star Wars binds us, unites us, and connects us on a level few things rarely can.
Did you dress up to see the movie? What were the crowds like at your theater? Post your pictures in the comments below!
Header Image Credit: Darth Vader dishes out the popcorn at Brenden Theatres inside Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ethan Miller/Getty Images