We’re racing towards the fiftieth aniversary, and while that means celebration and excitement for the fandom, it also means changes to keep things fresh, and one of the most striking changes will be happening at Galaxy’s Edge on both the west coast as the time period which we find ourselves when entering Black Spire Outpost (the year between episodes 8 and 9) will now shift back three decades, closer to the time of Return of the Jedi. That means changes to the shopping locations, the eateries, the music at Oga’s Cantina and the characters walking the streets of Batuu (not to mention all that amazing merch, which will no doubt have a refresh). First off, Darth Vader will be touring the Imperial outpost on Batuu, starting 29th April and this is just the beginning.
View this post on Instagram
“One of the lesser-known facts about the TIE Echelon is that it’s actually an Imperial-era ship,” Kalama says. “It carries the same color and markings of all the TIEs from that era.” Since Galaxy’s Edge debuted, the craft has belonged to Kylo Ren, making it “sort of like a vintage car. So canonically, it does align with the new, updated timeline we’re celebrating now.”
Fortunately for the rebels, some powerful allies are headed to Black Spire Outpost, too. Luke Skywalker will be making an appearance, joined by Han Solo and Leia Organa. The princess and the scoundrel will be making their first appearance in Galaxy’s Edge.
The Disney Parks team worked closely with Lucasfilm to craft all-new looks for Han and Leia, making sure they’re ready for adventure on Batuu. Han wears his iconic vest, while Leia rocks a battle-ready white outfit. Her hair is up in a practical crown braid, similar to how she wore it on Hoth in Empire Strikes Back.
“This is Leia’s adventure look,” explains Lucasfilm senior creative executive Matt Martin. “It’s inspired by some comic book appearances from this era, as well as the look that she had in Star Wars Battlefront II, the video game. But this is really the first time we get to see it physically created on a person.”
And of course, Vader, Han, Luke, and Leia won’t be the only characters you might encounter. Current fan favorites like Rey, Ahsoka Tano, Fennec Shand, Hera Syndulla, Sabine Wren, Vi Moradi, R2-D2, and Chewbacca will remain. (Finally, Chewie and Han are together again with the Falcon!)
Plus, fans may also cross paths with the Mandalorian Din Djarin and Grogu, who will soon be embarking on a new adventure together. As previously announced, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is getting a brand-new mission in 2026, inviting you and your crew to team up with Mando and Grogu to track down ex-Imperial officers and claim a bounty.
Make your plans, get back to the park and let us know when they change the radar dish on the Falcon.
