‘Star Wars’ fans rejoice! Carrie Fisher gets star on Walk of Fame.
Actress Carrie Fisher received a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on May 4th, otherwise known as “Star Wars” Day.
Anastasiia Riddle, USA TODAY
Hello there! Star Wars Day, aka May the 4th, is coming up fast. The official holiday of the fandom lands on Saturday, May 4, 2024, and there are loads of events to get excited about, not to mention the possibility of getting some surprises from Lucasfilm and Disney.
This particular day has an out-of-this-world origin story because of its punny take on the popular phrase from the Star Wars franchise, “May the Force be with you.”
Now, the day is used to make big announcements about the future of the Star Wars cinematic universe and for fan events happening all over the country and beyond.
Here’s what to know about May the 4th 2024 in metro Phoenix.
Why is May the 4th Star Wars Day?
May 4 is known as Star Wars Day basically because of a dad joke.
The most famous line to come out of the franchise — “May the Force be with you” — soon became “May the Fourth be with you” and that was the beginning of Star Wars Day.
Its first recorded reference was on May 4, 1979, two years after “Star Wars: A New Hope” released in theaters and came in the form of a congratulatory advertisement for the newly elected Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
The Evening News announcement from Thatcher’s political party said, “May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie. Congratulations.”
How do people celebrate Star Wars Day?
There may be announcements of new Star Wars series or films. Sometimes surprise trailers drop or new merchandise goes on sale.
This year is especially exciting because it’s the 25th anniversary of “Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.” Theaters across the country will have screenings.
And that’s not all. In addition to Episode I returning to theaters, Lucasfilm and Disney are allowing theaters to hold a one-day marathon of every single film in the Skywalker Saga. (That means 2016’s “Rogue One” and 2018’s “Solo” will not be included in the marathon.)
For those excited for the Disney+ series “The Acolyte,” which will begin streaming on June 4, there might be some special footage of it shown during the movie marathon as well.
How to celebrate May the 4th in Phoenix
The Harkins Theaters at Tempe Marketplace is showing the 20-plus-hour Star Wars movie marathon, and it’s sold out already.
If sitting in a movie theater seat for that long doesn’t sound like your perfect Saturday, then the May the Fourth: Star Wars Rave at Thundercat Lounge in downtown Phoenix might be more your cup of blue milk.
Starting at 10 pm Saturday, May 4, DJ Darth Vader, LaDell Ransom and NOOD will be spinning spacey tracks throughout the night with drink specials and a costume contest.
This event is for ages 21 and older. Free with RSVP at ticketweb.com; $5 at the door.
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Where can I watch all Star Wars shows?
If you’re looking to spend May the 4th watching a Star Wars marathon of your own at home, here’s how you can stream all things “Star Wars.”
If Lucasfilm produces it, it’s available on Disney+. Every feature film, shorts compilation, limited series and live-action and animated Star Wars series is there.
Disney+ costs $7.99 a month with ads or $10.99 for an ad-free subscription. A Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ bundle is $14.99 a month. You can sign up for any of the subscription packages at disneyplys.com.
Meredith G. White is the entertainment reporter for The Arizona Republic | azcentral.com. You can find her on Facebook as Meredith G. White, on instagram and X, formerly Twitter: @meredithgwhite, and email her at [email protected].
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