Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025: Highlights and Major Announcements

Star Wars Celebration 2025 was an electrifying event, brimming with thrilling announcements that have fans buzzing. From the galaxy far, far away, we were treated to news of *Star Wars: Starfighter*, featuring Ryan Gosling in a leading role, to the debut of a new Darth Maul series, and a first glimpse at Rory McCann as Baylan Skoll. The excitement continued with the reveal that fans will be able to interact with Grogu on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, and so much more. With such a plethora of exciting reveals, we've gathered the most unmissable highlights below. Let us know which announcement has you most thrilled in the world of Star Wars!

The Ahsoka panel at Star Wars Celebration provided fans with a treasure trove of updates and behind-the-scenes insights for the much-anticipated second season. A major highlight was the first look at Rory McCann stepping into the role of Baylan Skoll, following the late Ray Stevenson's portrayal. The panel unveiled an exclusive image, showcasing McCann's rendition of the character.

In addition to this, it was confirmed that Hayden Christensen would reprise his iconic role as Anakin Skywalker in Season 2. The panel also teased what fans can expect, including the return of beloved characters such as Sabine, Ezra, Zeb, and Chopper, along with a significant role for Admiral Ackbar, who will confront Grand Admiral Thrawn. Adorable Loth-Kittens will also make an appearance, and Dave Filoni hinted at the inclusion of "X-Wings, A-Wings, and Wings I can't tell you about," promising an exhilarating 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 for Ahsoka Season 2, Hayden Christensen shared his thoughts on reprising the role of Anakin Skywalker after nearly two decades. He expressed his appreciation for the darker aspects of Star Wars and even revealed his favorite Anakin meme, adding a light-hearted touch to the discussion.

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

Rosario Dawson, along with Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau, shared a humorous anecdote about the surprise return of Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker. Dawson was unaware of his comeback until he unexpectedly appeared on the set of The Book of Boba Fett. The team had cleverly used Plo Koon as a decoy in the scripts, leading many, including Dawson, to believe he would be the Jedi savior in the Season 2 finale.

The Mandalorian and Grogu Panel, Everything Revealed

The Mandalorian & Grogu is set to hit theaters on May 22, 2026, marking the first Star Wars film since The Rise of Skywalker in 2019. The panel, which kicked off Star Wars Celebration, not only provided tantalizing teases for the film but also unveiled the Shawn Levy-directed Star Wars: Starfighter, starring Ryan Gosling, scheduled for a theatrical release on May 28, 2027.

Attendees were treated to exclusive footage from The Mandalorian & Grogu, showcasing intense scenes such as an Imperial ship ready for battle, Mando facing off against Flame Troopers, collapsing AT-AT walkers in the snow, and the introduction of Sigourney Weaver's character. Of course, Grogu stole the show with his adorable and mischievous antics, including swimming and making objects levitate.

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

Image Credit: Disney and Lucasfilm

Sigourney Weaver shared her experiences joining The Mandalorian & Grogu at Star Wars Celebration. Despite not having watched the series before being cast, she quickly fell in love with Grogu, humorously noting how the little creature had stolen her heart. She also playfully speculated on whether Grogu could be more powerful than a Xenomorph.

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

Star Wars: Starfighter was announced with Ryan Gosling set to star in this upcoming film, which takes place five years after The Rise of Skywalker. While details on the plot remain scarce, it's clear that Gosling will portray a new character, joining a lineup of other anticipated Star Wars movies from directors like Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, James Mangold, Taika Waititi, and a trilogy from Simon Kinberg.

For more information, you can explore everything we know about Star Wars: Starfighter's plot and timeline.

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

We had the opportunity to discuss the future of Star Wars experiences at Disney Parks with Walt Disney Imagineering's Asa Kalama and Disney Live Entertainment's Michael Serna. They shared insights into upcoming attractions, such as the The Mandalorian & Grogu-themed update for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and the introduction of the adorable BDX droids at Disney Parks. They also discussed how they bring the magic of Disney to life, allowing fans to immerse themselves in their favorite stories and characters.

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

In line with the upcoming The Mandalorian & Grogu film set to release on May 22, 2026, Din Djarin and Grogu will feature in a new story-based mission at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. The mission follows a different path from the movie, where Hondo Ohnaka learns of a deal on Tatooine between ex-Imperial officers and pirates, sparking a high-stakes galactic chase. Guests will join Mando and Grogu in this dynamic adventure to claim a bounty.

Engineers will have the unique opportunity to care for Grogu during the ride and choose their adventure's course, plotting paths to Bespin, the Death Star wreckage above Endor, or the newly-revealed Coruscant during a special moment.

Everything Announced at the Andor Panel

The second and final season of Andor is set to premiere on Disney+ on April 22. At Star Wars Celebration, the series made its last pre-release appearance, with Diego Luna hinting that fans should watch Rogue One after Andor Season 2 to experience it as a "different film." The new season promises to be even more ambitious than the first, featuring 140 sets across seven stages, two backlots, 700 costumes for principals, 150 creatures, 30 droids, and 4,100 VFX shots.

For a deeper dive into the beloved characters of Andor, check out our comprehensive recap of the Andor panel.

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

Star Wars Celebration also announced Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord, an animated series set to debut on Disney+ in 2026. The series will follow Sam Witwer's Darth Maul as he attempts to rebuild his criminal syndicate on a planet untouched by the Empire, picking up after the events of 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 revealed that Star Wars: Visions Volume 3 will be released on October 29, 2025, and that the series will expand with a new spin-off debuting with the next chapter of The Ninth Jedi story, which began in Volume 1.

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. In this update, Kay Vess and Nix team up with the beloved pirate Hondo Ohnaka to confront Stinger Tash and her gang, the Rokana Raiders, and engage in smuggling for the Miyuki Trade League. This story follows the events of the main Star Wars Outlaws campaign, so completing it beforehand is recommended.

Star Wars Outlaws Release Date Announced for Nintendo Switch 2

Star Wars Outlaws will be released on the Nintendo Switch 2 on September 4, 2025, following the console's launch on June 5.

Hasbro Reveals Incredible New Dash Rendar and Jedi: Survivor Figures

Fans of Dash Rendar will be excited to learn about Hasbro's new figure release, alongside an impressive array of figures inspired by Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. These include figures of Nightsister Merrin, a three-pack featuring Cal Kestis, Turgle, and Skoova Stev, a smaller Merrin figure, and a Rocket Launch Trooper in the Vintage Collection line, among others.

You can explore all these figures and more in the slideshow below.

Everything Revealed at Hasbro's Star Wars Celebration 2025 Panel

View 198 Images Hasbro Reveals New The Mandalorian Figures at Star Wars Celebration 2025

Hasbro also unveiled two new figures from The Mandalorian at Star Wars Celebration: Moff Gideon and Cobb Vanth, joining the Star Wars: The Vintage Collection lineup. These 3.75-inch scale figures feature packaging inspired by the classic Kenner Star Wars figures.

You can preview exclusive images below of the Moff Gideon figure, inspired by his Dark Trooper armor, and Cobb Vanth with his look from The Book of Boba Fett. Both figures will be available for pre-order on April 18 at 3pm ET/12pm PT, priced at $16.99 each.

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

View 21 Images Star Wars and The Mandalorian Invade Monopoly Go

Monopoly Go is set to launch a Star Wars event from May 1 to July 2, inspired by the Skywalker Saga and The Mandalorian. The event will feature Star Wars characters with a Monopoly-style makeover, a Star Wars Go sticker album, podracing in the Mos Espa Grand Arena, and collectible in-game items like tokens, shields, and emojis, promising a fun-filled experience for fans.