‘Star Wars’ Everywhere As ‘The Force Awakens’ Blasts Into Theaters Thursday Night

In case you needed a reminder, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens opens today.

Certainly the most anticipated movie of 2015, and probably the most anticipated film anywhere since the prequel films were released nearly 20 years ago, the next installment of the Star Wars franchise opens nationwide in theaters Thursday across America, and unless you’re purposely avoiding the Internet, there isn’t a corner of the World Wide Web that isn’t filled Yoda, Chewie, Darth Vader, or any of the film franchise’s characters both old and new.

Along with press appearances from the cast on nearly every talk show, news program, and publication, there have been cross-promotional deals everywhere.

One of the more viral offerings came from none other than Jimmy Fallon and The Tonight Show gang, where the host along with his band The Roots and members from the Star Wars cast created a stirring a cappella medley. Listen:

Of course, no Star Wars film release would be complete without a deluge of toys and other collectibles, but the promotional marketing for The Force Awakens maybe went to far. There are entire beds modeled after the Millennium Falcon, actual flying drones, and chopsticks. But to add on to that, CoverGirl released a line of Star Wars-inspired makeup. Why?

But the marketing certainly didn’t end there.

On Thursday, Disney took over Trafalgar Square in the heart of London to light the famous Nelson’s Column landmark to resemble a lightsaber. Disney reportedly paid over $35,000 for the display.

Over in Germany, a highly-detailed Millennium Falcon model made an “emergency landing” at Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest miniature model museum.

With the release of the film so close to Christmas, it’s not surprising the holiday is maybe taking a backseat to the movie this year. But one YouTube user took the clash of holiday and film to a whole new level.

Every year, millions across the world will cozy up next to a fireplace Yule log to sip on Egg Nog and relax. But YouTuber BenjaminApple created a five-hour video of Darth Vader burning on his funeral pyre at the end of Return of the Jedi to replace the classic Yule-time tradition. Morbid? Yes. Oddly comforting? Also yes.

Also comforting? Watching Yoda train “Jedi Cats.”

Or you could be like this couple and recreate the “first dance” at your wedding as a classic “lightsaber duel.” Oh, these adorable nerds.

This is just one of probably a million Star Wars videos that have been shared over and over again through social media channels.

And just think. There’s still two more movies to go.

But at the end of the day, what matters most is whether the film ends up being any good, and there lies some heartening news for fans and movie-buffs alike.

After a review embargo until Wednesday morning (to help avoid spoilers leaking out), critical acclaim has been mostly positive, and the movie rating site Rotten Tomatoes (as of publication time) has the film at an astounding 95% and “Certified Fresh.”

At least right now, it looks like all the hoopla wasn’t for naught.