The Force Awakens at Hong Kong Disneyland as Star Wars characters wow visitors
Characters from his sci-fi franchise delight HK crowds as excitement builds for sequel
The force was with them as more than 100 characters put on a colourful show at Hong Kong Disneyland yesterday to promote the latest offering in the popular film franchise.
Darth Vader, Padme Amidala, R2D2, stormtroopers of the Galactic Empire and rebels wowed visitors at the park during a 30-minute parade ahead of December's scheduled premiere of . The film is the first in the series for more than a decade, and the first to be made since creator George Lucas sold the rights to the series to Disney.
Leading the parade were two Jedis swinging light sabres. They were followed by Darth Vader and his clone soldiers, who came in peace marching behind them.
The parade featured over 110 participants - all Star Wars fans from across Asia. Many are members of the 501st Legion and Rebel Legion, two global organisations of Star Wars costumers
One spectator, Rana al-Harbi, 16, from Saudi Arabia, remarked: "It was good. They were all beautiful. I wish it was longer."
Rhys Karademira, 24, from Australia, thought the parade was "magical". "I love R2D2. He is cute," he added.
After the parade, Shawn Truesdell, who at almost two metres tall was touted by Disneyland as the tallest Darth Vader in Asia, said: "I chose Vader because growing up he was the most iconic villain I have ever seen.
"Everybody knows Vader. The story of his salvation and becoming good again is a good story."
When asked why he came from Indonesia to parade in Hong Kong, Truesdell said: "Who would turn down the opportunity to walk through Disneyland's main street with a bunch of great guys who get together to build awesome costumes?"
A remote-controlled, life-sized R2D2 also ambled along in the parade. Its owner, Tiny Panganiban from the Philippines, spent seven years and over US$35,000 to assemble it. "The most challenging part … was finding the money," he said.
Anna and Yusuke Yamana from Japan were dressed as Tusken Raiders. The couple met at a costume event in Japan.
Although Anna was one of the parade's few female costumers, she said: "I didn't feel I was a minority. I met a lot of women who were involved. In New York … about 30 per cent of the costumers were women."
