Validating the Timeline

Since its opening in 2019, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge has been strictly locked into a specific point in the timeline: the era between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. While this allowed for immersive storytelling, it created a weird problem where iconic characters like Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker were technically "banned" from appearing.

Today, Disney announced a pivotal shift. Galaxy's Edge is breaking its own rules to embrace the entire Star Wars saga.

"TIMELESS" Encounters

Disney Parks Chairman Josh D'Amaro revealed the new "Timeless Encounters" initiative. "We want our guests to meet their heroes," D'Amaro said. "Battuu is a place where legends are told, and now, those legends will walk among you."

This means we can finally expect:

• The Original Trilogy: Darth Vader patrolling with Stormtroopers, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill era or De-aged), and Han Solo.
• The Prequels: Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and even Padmé Amidala.
• The Mandalorian Era: Seeing Grogu and Mando is already common, but expect more Ahsoka and Thrawn presence.

Fan Reaction

The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Hardcore immersion fans worried it might break the "story," but the vast majority of guests just want a photo with Vader. "I paid $150 to get in," wrote one fan on X. "Let me see the guy with the red lightsaber."

New Attractions?

While no new rides were announced, rumors persist of a third attraction to join Rise of the Resistance and Smugglers Run, potentially based on the Podracing sequence from The Phantom Menace.

The expansion rollout begins later this year at Disneyland Resort.

May the Force be with you.