The last part of the current Star Wars trilogy will kick off this Thursday in US cinemas (as well as in Germany) - and die-hard fans are already besieging the "Chinese Theater" in Hollywood. Around 20 sci-fi fans camped out in front of the cinema on Thursday evening to secure good slots for the film's launch in a week's time.
The organizers expect the number of participants to increase to 150 in the coming days. Fans from Japan and the UK, among others, are expected to watch the film at the site where the very first "Star Wars" movie premiered in 1977. "When a 'Star Wars' comes out, everything else has to wait - it's like having a baby," said fan Nicolas Johnson, who is waiting with his dog in front of the "Chinese Theater".
Yuichi Yamazaki / Getty Images
Star Wars actors: Anthony Daniels, John Boyega, JJ Abrams, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac, Katherine Kennedy and Chris Terrio
Participants have sleeping bags with them
For the first time, 20 years ago, fans camped in front of the cinema on Hollywood Boulevard to launch "Episode 1: The Dark Menace." At that time the followers of the successful saga waited 42 days. Since the fans are now 20 years older and have more obligations - and the premiere still takes place in winter - the camp was cut this time to a week.
The participants have sleeping bags with them and pass the time with board games and old "Star Wars" film and series episodes. "It's like an overnight party with friends, where everyone shares the same interests," said fashion photographer Justin Nunez of San Diego.
In Germany, "Star Wars 9: The Rise of Skywalker" will be released this coming Wednesday. At the end of October the trailer of the final part was released. The end of the Star Wars universe can not be foreseen, however, and it has recently become known that Avengers producer Kevin Feige is working on a joint film project with Lucasfilm boss Kathleen Kennedy, as well as a new trilogy.