The Disneyland Resort has announced that some new (classic) characters will be coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge soon. This move will continue the abandonment of the strictly established timeline for the land when it first opened back in 2019. When Galaxy’s Edge first debuted, Imagineers said that the timeline of the land sits between Episodes 8 and 9. Imagineering has already started to create some space between that strict timeline. And now, even more classic characters are coming soon.
Darth Vader, Han Solo & More Coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Timeline Further Abandoned
We’ll start with the announcement from Disneyland, followed by some thoughts. Here’s what Disneyland said:
We have a good feeling about this. Disneyland Resort is unlocking the timeline at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in the biggest way yet.
Fans know that Batuu has played a role in the history of the galaxy for hundreds of years on the Outer Rim. Beginning April 29, 2026, visitors will be invited to immerse themselves in different points of the Star Wars saga inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland park as they never have before with characters and storylines that capture the heart of what draws guests to this galaxy far, far away. These exciting updates to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will enable visitors to experience even more of the eras of Star Wars.
New storylines will be brought to life on Batuu, spanning multiple eras of the planet’s rich history. These updates will enable you to experience the Galactic Civil War and New Republic, as well as the Age of the Resistance and First Order.
Black Spire Outpost will roll back in time several decades, thoughtfully introducing beloved characters from across the Star Wars timeline, new props and graphics in some areas, musical selections from Star Wars film scores throughout the land and more. Each era will be brought to life with the same care and attention to detail that the land was originally designed with, masterfully weaving together stories from across time and space in one location.
Cue “The Imperial March.” Darth Vader’s search for Luke Skywalker will bring him to Batuu. This Sith Lord will be joined by Imperial Stormtroopers, and as they seek the elusive Jedi, they may find hints of the Force around the outpost.
Leia Organa and Han Solo will be reunited with Luke Skywalker and Chewbacca amid the rocky spires.
Luke Skywalker will roam the outpost seeking knowledge of the Force and artifacts related to lightsaber building, kyber crystals, and more.
Leia Organa may be spotted near the Millennium Falcon, where she’ll recruit travelers and locals to help keep Luke safe.
Han Solo also will linger around his prized ship, tempted by the local cantina.
The forested area on the outskirts of Black Spire Outpost will continue to represent a time inspired by the Age of the Resistance. You may find Rey around this Resistance camp, and if you’re bold enough, become a hero yourself in a climactic battle with the First Order aboard Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
As Batuu’s history is represented with new storylines, you may notice some updates to buildings and shops throughout the land.
First Order Cargo will transform into Black Spire Surplus, a military salvage operation offering artifacts from across the history of the galaxy, including Imperial and Rebel items from the Galactic Civil War.
As antiquities shops often do, Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities will display a different array of one-of-a-kind items from its past. The curiosities and artifacts in his shop certainly change with the times.
An earlier generation of the Mubo family will operate Droid Depot, where they will be prototyping the BB style of droid. You’ll still have the opportunity to purchase and create your own droid companion at this shop.
In his search for information on lightsabers and the Force, Luke Skywalker will be interested in meeting with Savi. You may continue to have the opportunity to purchase and build your own lightsaber under the guidance of Savi’s Gatherers.
This isn’t the first time that Disney has abandoned the strict timeline for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Disney fans will recall back in May 2022 when Disney first announced that they will be introducing characters from throughout Batuu’s history, not just characters that would’ve been there between Episodes 8 and 9. Here’s what Disney said nearly four years ago:
We are committed to the long history of Batuu and the collection of amazing characters who inhabit the outpost including our legacy characters and original characters and know that we will feel the same about new and future characters from the ever-expanding galaxy of Star Wars storytelling. While we as visitors may be able to experience different stories throughout Star Wars history, the characters on Batuu can not. They will remain in their specific story and timeline and won’t intersect with other characters or stories that would not be appropriate for them.
Ultimately, this is going to result in more guests meeting more of the characters that they’re familiar with. This is going to be a win for guests, and we can only hope that something similar will happen with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios – especially with the closure of the Star Wars Launch Bay.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
