Carrie Fisher Won't Appear in Episode IX, First Trailer for "The Last Jedi", and More from Celebration

Carrie Fisher Will Not Appear in Episode IX:

For months since the passing of our beloved princess, Carrie Fisher, it has been speculated whether she would appear in Star Wars Episode IX. At first, it was said she definitely would not appear. In recent weeks leading up to Star Wars Celebration Orlando, her brother Todd revealed that she would be appearing in the final film of the saga.

However today, in an exclusive interview with ABC's Paula Faris, LucasFilm President Kathleen Kennedy revealed that Carrie Fisher will not appear in the film. Here is the part of the interview where Kennedy is asked about Fisher's role in the final film:

EXCLUSIVE: Lucasfilm President Kathy Kennedy says Carrie Fisher will NOT be in @StarWars Episode 9 as General Leia. #SWCO #TheLastJedi pic.twitter.com/gxH80QteYb

— Good Morning America (@GMA) April 14, 2017

First Poster and Trailer of "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" Released:

Finally, today the long awaited first trailer of "The Last Jedi" was released along with a new poster during Star Wars Celebration Orlando. Director Rian Johnson, LucasFilm President Kathleen Kennedy, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Mark Hamill showed off the trailer today during the amazing panel detailing the film. Here is the poster:

The poster shows off Rey holding a lightsaber up flashing with half of Luke's face and half of Kylo Ren's face. Now here is the trailer:

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" hits theaters December 15, 2017.

Several Stills Released for "The Last Jedi" Revealed:

Also during today's panel several stills from the film were released, check them out below.

I am so excited for this film and I know most are just as excited. December cannot get here fast enough.

Spoiler Free Review of Star Wars: The Force Awakens

A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away, that's how Star Wars began in 1977 and once again last night when "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" opened in theaters breaking Thursday night release records by making $57 million on the first night alone. My showing at 10:10 last night was sold out like thousands of others last night. Let's get on to the film itself though, as 'The Force Awakens' has caused an awakening that fans have been longing for since 'Return of the Jedi'. 

Fans for years have been waiting to see if J.J. Abrams and Disney would ruin the films as we know it after the let down of Episodes 1-3. I know I wasn't disappointed as J.J. took the helm of "The Force Awakens" and brought the greatness of Star Wars back. The story line was perfect and the new characters in Rey, Finn, Poe, Kylo Ren, and BB-8. 

Rey's story is the focus and she blossoms throughout the movie into a strong female character that leads us into waiting for Episode VIII. Yes, the way the film ends Episode VIII will be just as anticipated as "The Force Awakens." Daisy Ridley played Rey like she was in the films before.  Kylo Ren is one dark character who's story is just beginning. It seems like his story is a lot like Darth Vader's. Finn's story is just beginning as well, John Boyega played the role perfectly. 

Harrison Ford does an amazing job as an older and wiser Han Solo. Han is seen as just as he was found in "A New Hope" but more wiser as he even still brings the comedic input of the film as he mentors both Finn and Rey. Then Leia who has aged but is also wiser and shows how strong she can be throughout the film. The questions of where is Luke are answered but you'll have to see the film to find out. There are even more questions to be answered that will hopefully answered in the coming films in the future.

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" was perfect and I literally felt like I was watching the original films.   The film brought cheers throughout the whole film because it was just that great. Star Wars is back and in the words of Han as he tells Chewbacca as they enter into the Millennium Falcon once again, "Chewie, We're Home." Star Wars fans are right at home again and all is right in the world. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" gets 5 out of 5 Lightsabers and if I could give it a higher rating I would because the film was amazing. Episode VIII can't get here fast enough.

"Chewie, We're Home."

Watch Daisy Ridley and John Boyega React to Force Awakens Trailer, Minnie's There to Stay at Dine-In at DHS; and More

Watch Daisy Ridley and John Boyega React to Force Awakens Trailer:

Still buzzing about the release of last night's final "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" trailer, I know I am. Two of the films stars Daisy Ridley (Rey) and John Boyega (Finn) taped their reactions to the trailer and shared with the world their excitement. Ridley got emotional and was in total awe of the trailer and Boyega jumped for joy with excitement and off his couch as his friend taped his reaction. Watch both their reactions below:

Daisy Ridley's reaction:

\Staying in a little b'n'b with my friend... Set an alarm to watch the trailer... My friend filmed my reaction. Totally emotional seeing it for the first time and so so so incredibly awed to be part of this incredible legacy #starwars #theforceawakens

A video posted by @daisyridley on Oct 19, 2015 at 8:06pm PDT

Here is Boyega's reaction:

THE TRAILER IS JUST EEEEPPPPPPPIIIIICCCCCCC! Star Wars is back! gaaaaaad laaaaard! You know what! Let me just relax because this kind God oooo! Lmao! Seriously congrats to everyone ! December 18th!

A video posted by @john_boyega on Oct 20, 2015 at 12:02am PDT

 Minnie to Dine with Guests All Year-Round at Hollywood & Vine:

It was reported just a few months ago that Minnie and her friends would be dining with guests during the holiday season with Minnie's Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine. Today, the Disney Parks Blog announced that Minnie and friends will be dining all year-round with guests at the Hollywood Studios restaurant. The theme of the the dinner will change with the seasons.

Here is the description from the Disney Parks Blog:

"Minnie’s fabulous dinner parties celebrate the cheerful togetherness of the holidays, the glamour of Hollywood, the delight of spring, the excitement of summer and the frightening fun of Halloween. With each new season, look for unique music, décor, all-new costumes, menu items and interactive musical moments."

Reservations for Minnie's Seasonal Dine begin next week on October 27. From January 4 to March 20, Minnie will invite guests to celebrate the movies and the glamour of Hollywood. The reservations can also be added to the Fantasmic! dinner package. You can make reservations by calling 407-WDW-DINE or by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dine.

New Exhibit Opens in the Japan Pavilion at Epcot:

Over the weekend, Epcot's Japan pavilion opened up a new exhibit that is dedicated to the country's cute culture. "Kawaii: Japan's Cute Culture" explores how the culture became a modern way of life in Japan. One of the statues in the exhibit is of a Harujuku Girl in Melty-Go-Round style by Kawaii artist and designer Sebastian Masuda. 

The Bijutsu-kan Gallery also features a replica of a modern Tokyo apartment and historical artifacts that illustrate Kawaii's origin. Kawaii is rooted is Japan's Shinto past, and is a means of self expression, from schoolhouses to construction sites. Will you be checking out this new exhibit in the Japan pavilion?