"Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025: Top Highlights and News"

Star Wars Celebration 2025 was an unforgettable event, brimming with thrilling announcements that have set the fanbase abuzz. Among the highlights was the reveal of *Star Wars: Starfighter*, featuring Ryan Gosling in a starring role, promising an exciting new chapter set five years after *The Rise of Skywalker*. Another major announcement was the upcoming Darth Maul series, *Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord*, set to debut on Disney+ in 2026, exploring Maul's journey post-*The Clone Wars*. Fans also got their first look at Rory McCann stepping into the role of Baylan Skoll in *Ahsoka*, following the late Ray Stevenson's portrayal. Additionally, the event teased a unique experience allowing visitors to care for Grogu on the *Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run* ride at Disney Parks, integrating elements from the upcoming *The Mandalorian & Grogu* film, scheduled for release on May 22, 2026.

Which of these announcements are you most excited about? Let us know your favorite below:

Star Wars Celebration's Ahsoka Panel Featured the First Look at Rory McCann's Baylan Skoll, the News of Anakin's Return, and More

The *Ahsoka* panel at Star Wars Celebration was packed with exciting updates for the show's second season. A highlight was the first look at Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll, stepping in after the tragic passing of Ray Stevenson. The panel also confirmed the return of Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker in Season 2, adding more depth to the series. Fans can look forward to the return of beloved characters such as Sabine, Ezra, Zeb, and Chopper, along with new developments involving Admiral Ackbar, Grand Admiral Thrawn, and the adorable Loth-Kittens. Showrunner Dave Filoni teased additional surprises, including new types of starfighters, promising a thrilling continuation of the saga.

Hayden Christensen on Returning to Anakin Skywalker in Ahsoka and Liking When 'Star Wars Goes Dark'

Following the announcement of his return as Anakin Skywalker in *Ahsoka* Season 2, Hayden Christensen shared his thoughts on reprising the iconic role after nearly two decades. He expressed his appreciation for the darker elements of the Star Wars universe and even shared his favorite Anakin meme, showcasing his continued engagement with the fan community.

Rosario Dawson Had No Idea Mark Hamill Was Returning as Luke Skywalker in The Mandalorian Until He Walked On Set

In a delightful behind-the-scenes story, Rosario Dawson revealed she was unaware that Mark Hamill would be returning as Luke Skywalker in *The Mandalorian* until he appeared on set. The team cleverly used Plo Koon as a decoy in the scripts, adding an element of surprise for Dawson and the audience alike.

The Mandalorian and Grogu Panel, Everything Revealed

The *The Mandalorian & Grogu* panel kicked off Star Wars Celebration with a bang, announcing its theatrical release date of May 22, 2026, marking the first Star Wars film since *The Rise of Skywalker*. The panel showcased exciting footage featuring Imperial ships, Mando battling Flame Troopers, collapsing AT-AT walkers, and the introduction of Sigourney Weaver's character. The crowd also got to see Grogu in action, being both adorable and mischievous as he swam and manipulated objects with the Force.

The Mandalorian & Grogu's Sigourney Weaver on Grogu Stealing Her Heart and More

Sigourney Weaver shared her experiences joining *The Mandalorian & Grogu* at Star Wars Celebration. She admitted to not having watched the series before being cast but quickly fell in love with Grogu, humorously comparing his powers to those of the Xenomorph from her iconic *Alien* films.

Star Wars: Starfighter Is a New Film Starring Ryan Gosling That's Arriving in Theaters in May 2027

Star Wars Celebration also unveiled *Star Wars: Starfighter*, a new film set to premiere in theaters on May 28, 2027, with Ryan Gosling in the lead role. The film, directed by Shawn Levy, takes place five years after *The Rise of Skywalker* and introduces a fresh character portrayed by Gosling. This addition joins an exciting lineup of upcoming Star Wars films.

Bringing Star Wars Experiences to Life With Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Live Entertainment

Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Live Entertainment discussed future Star Wars experiences at Disney Parks. They revealed an update to *Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run* inspired by *The Mandalorian & Grogu*, along with the introduction of adorable BDX droids. They shared insights into how they bring the magic of Star Wars to life, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the galaxy far, far away.

The Mandalorian and Grogu-Themed Update to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Will Let Engineers Take Care of Grogu

The *The Mandalorian & Grogu* film will inspire a new mission in *Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run* at Disney Parks. In this update, guests will join Mando and Grogu on a high-stakes adventure to track down a bounty, with the added thrill of caring for Grogu during the ride. Engineers will also have the opportunity to plot the course to destinations like Bespin, the Death Star wreckage above Endor, or the newly-revealed Coruscant.

Everything Announced at the Andor Panel

The final season of *Andor* is set to debut on Disney+ on April 22, 2025. The panel at Star Wars Celebration highlighted the ambitious scope of the new season, featuring 140 sets, 700 costumes, 150 creatures, 30 droids, and 4,100 VFX shots. Diego Luna teased that fans should rewatch *Rogue One* after Season 2 for a fresh perspective on the film.

Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord Announced at Star Wars Celebration

A new animated series, *Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord*, was announced for Disney+ in 2026. The series will follow Darth Maul, voiced by Sam Witwer, as he rebuilds his criminal empire on a planet untouched by the Empire, continuing his story from *The Clone Wars*.

Star Wars: Visions Gets a Volume 3 Release Date and a Spin-Off Series That Will Debut With a Ninth Jedi Story

Star Wars Celebration confirmed that *Star Wars: Visions* Volume 3 will premiere on October 29, 2025, with a new spin-off series debuting alongside the next chapter of *The Ninth Jedi* story.

Star Wars Outlaws Gets Second Story Update A Pirate’s Fortune in May

*Star Wars Outlaws* fans can look forward to a new story update titled *A Pirate’s Fortune* on May 15, 2025. The update will see Kay Vess and Nix teaming up with Hondo Ohnaka to tackle Stinger Tash and her gang, the Rokana Raiders, in a smuggling mission set after the main campaign.

Star Wars Outlaws Release Date Announced for Nintendo Switch 2

Ubisoft's *Star Wars Outlaws* is set to launch on the Nintendo Switch 2 on September 4, 2025, shortly after the console's release on June 5, 2025.

Hasbro Reveals Incredible New Dash Rendar and Jedi: Survivor Figures

Hasbro delighted fans at Star Wars Celebration with new figures, including a highly anticipated Dash Rendar figure and an array of figures from *Star Wars Jedi: Survivor*, featuring characters like Nightsister Merrin and a three-pack of Cal Kestis, Turgle, and Skoova Stev.

Everything Revealed at Hasbro's Star Wars Celebration 2025 Panel

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Hasbro Reveals New The Mandalorian Figures at Star Wars Celebration 2025

Hasbro also unveiled two new figures from *The Mandalorian*—Moff Gideon and Cobb Vanth—for the Star Wars: The Vintage Collection. These figures, priced at $16.99 each, will be available for pre-order starting April 18, 2025, and feature designs inspired by the characters' iconic looks.

Star Wars: The Vintage Collection Moff Gideon & Cobb Vanth Figures - Preview Gallery

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Star Wars and The Mandalorian Invade Monopoly Go

Monopoly Go is set to launch a Star Wars event from May 1 to July 2, 2025, inspired by the Skywalker Saga and *The Mandalorian*. The event will feature Star Wars characters with a Monopoly twist, a sticker album to fill, podracing, and collectible in-game items.