There were cheers, gasps, droid photo opportunities, casino games and more than a few standing ovations at the jam-packed world premiere of "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" Saturday night (Sunday NZT) in Los Angeles, which many are already praising online.
Rian Johnson, the writer and director of the eighth installment of the franchise, dedicated the night to the late Carrie Fisher, who died after filming had completed.
"She's up there flipping the bird and saying, 'Don't bring this night down with solemn tributes,'" Johnson said on stage at the Shrine Auditorium.
It was in that spirit that Johnson excitedly introduced his cast, including Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley and Laura Dern.
Hamill and composer John Williams, who Johnson called one of the "greatest living film composers" were among the few who got standing ovations.
Englishman Ian Mockett says the model is made of wood.
"Let's watch a Star Wars movie!" Johnson exclaimed as the cast took their seats, the lights dimmed and the yellow Star Wars logo and iconic scrawl appeared on screen to signal the start of the film.
The enthusiastic audience laughed and cheered throughout much of the two-and-a-half-hour film.
One audience member even shrieked "What?!" at a key scene deep in the film.
The elaborate premiere featured a massive assault vehicle and a procession of Stormtroopers and droids that preceded the first showing of the film in advance of its December 15 release.
The mood was joyous and pregnant with anticipation for the highly anticipated and guarded film, which sees the return of Hamill's Luke Skywalker as well as Fisher's final performance.
The 60-year-old died today after being in hospital since suffering a heart attack on Saturday.
Formal reviews won't be out for a few days, but journalists and others at the screening who shared their initial reactions online said "The Last Jedi" packed the adventure expected in a Star Wars film, but took it into new territory.
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