I’ve been fortunate enough to walk the red carpet {or black carpet, or marigold carpet} at four different movies now, and each experience has been different. I can safely say that this experience was the first time that there was a giant spaceship parked in the middle of Hollywood Blvd.
The excitement started the day before, when the hottest trending moment on Twitter was the construction of THE Millennium Falcon in preparation for the World Premiere of Solo: A Star Wars Story. I knew the movie would be a big deal and I was excited for what the red carpet had in store, but I had no idea just how electrifying it would be.
There’s always excitement when a new movie comes out, but when that movie is part of an empire {pun intended} that’s lasted over 40 years and spawned countless films, TV shows, books, and living room light saber battles, the level of excitement is palpable in the air. Huge fans showed up in cosplay just for a chance to see their favorite characters, most portrayed by actors new to the franchise, walk past them. There was a true to scale Chewbacca walking around. Legendary Director Ron Howard was giving a live interview. And these are all things that I saw before I even took a step onto the carpet.
Walking the red carpet was like being part of something big. I wasn’t just there to see a movie, I was there to be part of a moment. I was one of the first people in the entire world- galaxy, even- to see the newest addition to the Star Wars legacy. We were directed to the Dolby Theater to watch it- the same theater where they have the Academy Awards- and when I turned around and saw Mark Hamill sitting in my seat just six rows back, I forgot how to breathe for a minute there.
Eventually I regained my basic ability to function, just in time to see the people who made the film what it is. First, George Lucas, who made this whole thing possible, walked in and did a lap around the theater while receiving a standing ovation. Next, the stars of the film began to walk in- I saw Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover, and Woody Harrelson. Just a couple of moments after they all took their seats, the lights dimmed and the movie began to play.
You’ll have to stay tuned to my film review {coming later this week} for my thoughts on the movie, but I will say that after seeing it I was more excited than ever for the after party!
We followed way too many escalators to the after party, where we were greeted by yummy foods to eat and lots of star gazing to do- and not of the cosmic variety. I was too excited to eat anything but a mini churro, but I definitely got around and rubbed elbows with the stars! I ran into Bob Iger, CEO of Disney {after almost literally running into him earlier in the day on the Disney lot} and thanked him for all he’s done for Disney. I stood right next to Emilia Clarke and Woody Harrelson, but they were deep in conversation so I left them to enjoy the evening. But some of the famous attendees looked open to selfies so I did get a few!
Alden Ehrenreich, who is the new Han Solo, was really nice!
Mark Hamill, who isn’t in Solo: A Star Wars Story but has, of course, played Luke Skywalker for 40 years, was more than willing to take a photo. I was too nervous to get too close because IT’S MARK HAMILL OMG but he pulled me in and put me right next to him and made me feel comfortable immediately. He may or may not have used The Force to ease my worry.
I got a photo with Clint Howard, too- Director Ron Howard’s brother, who has a brief cameo in Solo: A Star Wars Story. He was so incredibly nice and took the time to chat with us.
Then in what seemed like just minutes {but was really a couple of hours}, it was time to leave the party. I still couldn’t quite believe all the amazing people I had just attended a party with and it’s a night I’ll never forget!
Keep an eye out here for more coverage about Solo: A Star Wars Story, which hits theaters on May 25th.
