George Lucas calls Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge ‘Star Tours on steroids’
George Lucas, the man who created Star Wars, appeared at the dedication of the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land in Disneyland Wednesday night.
After walking out to stand in front of a life-sized Millennium Falcon, Lucas briefly described the new 14-acre land as “Star Tours on steroids, at a level you can’t possibly believe.”
Lucas was referencing the first ride he worked with Disney to create more than 30 years ago. Star Tours remains as a popular attraction in both Disneyland and Disney World. Over the years, the ride has been updated.
Lucas went on to tell the crowd how impressed he was by the new land about his experience working with the Walt Disney Imagineers to help create Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
“This thing is amazing,” he went on to say. “It’s something you couldn’t t even dream about 20 years ago. So I hope you enjoy it. It was a great experience for me and I think it will change your life.”
Walt Disney Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger went on to introduce three more Star Wars legends.
Billy Dee Williams, who portrayed Lando Calrissian in the original trilogy and reprises the role for the latest movie being released in December, “Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker,” came out to thunderous applause. “People keep asking me, how did I find Lando again. Well, Lando never left me.”
Next out was Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill, who talked about how the last time he was in a Disney Park with George Lucas was to open Star Tours and how was amazed that he was part of a movie that would have its own ride in a Disney theme park.
He said he thought at the time, “I better savor the moment because it will never be surpassed. And yet, look at where we are today. We get our own land.”
Chewbacca then appears inside the Millennium Falcon ready to start it, but nothing happens. That’s when Iger calls on Harrison Ford, to help out.
Ford takes steps toward the Falcon, turns to the cameras and says, “Peter, this one’s for you,” before hitting the ship and setting of the Falcon and the fireworks.
Peter Mayhew, who portrayed Chewbacca from 1977 to 2015, passed away on April 30.
