Hollywood preparing for ‘Star Wars’ world premiere
Hollywood is preparing for what could be the largest movie premiere in its history on Monday night when the hugely anticipated “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is screened for VIP audiences in three separate theaters amid tight security.
At one of the Hollywood Boulevard location — the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre, where the first “Star Wars” premiered in 1977 — fans are already camped out this weekend, eagerly awaiting their turn when the film opens for regular folks next Friday.
One fan, Lavonne Dominguez, wasn’t interested in simply buying a ticket online to see the movie in her local movie theater. She and several friends who drove up from Orange County wanted an out-of-this-world experience.
“I need to see it in an epic place with people who are just as excited about ‘Star Wars’ as me,” said Dominguez, 32, who was among about 150 devotees in line at the Chinese on Friday, occasionally ducking under awnings to avoid a passing shower.
Several fans began holding court outside the theatre last weekend. Many of them previously lined up at the same location to be among the first to see the “Star Wars” prequel films, beginning in 1999.
This time, the theater operator is allowing them to camp out on top of the theater’s famous celebrity hand- and footprints, instead of along the sidewalk out front.
The fans must log at least 24 hours in line to gain entry to the theater’s first public showing of the film, but those who spend more time in line will earn preferential seat selection.
“If I didn’t have to go to work, I probably would be here the whole time,” said Dominguez.
It’s unclear just where the group will be when Lucasfilm’s latest “Star Wars” installment has its worldwide premiere on Monday night.
The star-studded event is expected to be one of the largest — and most secretive — Hollywood premieres ever.