Force Friday: September 4, 2015 Countdown Begins for the Launch of Star Wars: The Force Awakens Products

Stores around the globe prepare to open their doors at 12:01am for Midnight Madness

New packaging featuring “The Force Awakens” villain, Kylo Ren, also unveiled

New packaging featuring “The Force Awakens” villain, Kylo Ren (Photo: Business Wire)

GLENDALE, Calif.--()--‘Force Friday’ was announced today on StarWars.com, which will be a global event for fans of all ages to celebrate the launch of merchandise inspired by the highly anticipated film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Toys, collectibles, books, apparel and more will hit shelves on September 4, 2015 at 12:01 a.m. with stores around the world opening their doors for a unique celebration of all things Star Wars.

“Every lightsaber, every action figure, every LEGO set tells a story for generations of Star Wars fans, and this global event is a celebration of those stories. We’re excited to be part of the countdown to this enormous movie moment,” said Josh Silverman, executive vice president, global licensing, Disney Consumer Products.

Fans wanting to be the first to get their hands on Star Wars: The Force Awakens merchandise will be able to visit their local retailer starting at midnight on September 4 and are encouraged to document their experience on social media, using the hashtags: #ForceFriday #MidnightMadness. A wide range of coveted products – from toys and collectibles, to books and comics, ebooks and apps, to apparel and lifestyle accessories – will be available at mass retailers and Disney Store locations worldwide, as well as on DisneyStore.com.

Also revealed for the first time today is new Star Wars: The Force Awakens packaging, which highlights the much buzzed about masked villain of the film, Kylo Ren. The ominous shadowy figure and the red lightsaber he wields will be featured on Star Wars product packaging beginning September 4, 2015.

Stay tuned to StarWars.com for more information about #ForceFriday and exciting, future product announcements tied to Star Wars: The Force Awakens!

STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

About Disney Consumer Products

Disney Consumer Products (DCP) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) that delivers innovative and engaging product experiences across thousands of categories from toys and apparel to books and fine art. As the world's largest licensor, DCP inspires the imaginations of people around the world by bringing the magic of Disney into consumers' homes with products they can enjoy year-round. DCP is comprised of three business units: Licensing, Publishing and Disney Store. The Licensing business is aligned around five strategic brand priorities: Disney Media, Classics & EntertainmentDisney & Pixar Animation StudiosDisney Princess & Disney FairiesLucasfilm and Marvel. Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world's largest publisher of children's books, magazines, and apps, igniting imagination through storytelling in ever-inventive ways. DPW creates and publishes books, magazines, eBooks and apps both in-house and through an extensive worldwide licensing structure. DPW is also committed to the educational development of children around the world through Disney Learning, which includes the flagship learning brand, Disney Imagicademy, as well as Disney English and other Disney-themed learning products. The Disney Store retail chain operates across North America, Europe and Japan with more than 350 stores worldwide and is known for providing consumers with high-quality, unique products. Disney Store operates ecommerce sites in nine countries, as shown here. For more information, please visit Disney Consumer Products www.DisneyConsumerProducts.com.

About Lucasfilm Ltd.

Lucasfilm Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production. In addition to its motion-picture and television production, the company's activities include visual effects and audio post-production, cutting-edge digital animation, interactive entertainment software, and the management of the global merchandising activities for its entertainment properties including the legendary STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES franchises. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California.

Contacts

Media Contacts:
Disney Consumer Products
Lauren B. Purnell
lauren.b.purnell@disney.com
or
Lucasfilm Ltd.
Chris Argyropoulos
chris.argyropoulos@lucasfilm.com

Release Summary

‘Force Friday’ was announced today on StarWars.com, which will be a global event for fans of all ages to celebrate the launch of merchandise inspired by Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Contacts

Media Contacts:
Disney Consumer Products
Lauren B. Purnell
lauren.b.purnell@disney.com
or
Lucasfilm Ltd.
Chris Argyropoulos
chris.argyropoulos@lucasfilm.com