Get ready for an epic adventure as Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland undergoes an exciting transformation! The Force is strong with this one!
Starting April 29, 2026, the beloved Black Spire Outpost on Batuu will take you back in time, showcasing elements from the original Star Wars trilogy. Imagine walking through the streets and encountering legendary characters like Darth Vader and his Imperial stormtroopers. It's a thrilling experience that will leave you in awe.
But here's where it gets even more intriguing: the timeline shift! Originally set during the Resistance and First Order era, Galaxy's Edge is now expanding to cover the events of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi and The Mandalorian. It's like stepping into a living, breathing Star Wars universe, where every corner holds a piece of the saga.
Since its opening in 2019, Black Spire Outpost has been evolving, adding new characters and attractions. This latest update is a testament to its ever-growing story. Asa Kalama, executive vice president of Walt Disney Imagineering, shares, "We envisioned Galaxy's Edge as a living, breathing land, constantly evolving and telling new stories."
The new timeline brings not only familiar faces but also fresh looks and exciting additions. Let's dive into the biggest changes coming to Galaxy's Edge!
Familiar Faces, New Adventures
As you explore Black Spire Outpost, prepare for some unexpected encounters. From the end of April 2026, Darth Vader will make his grand entrance on Batuu, accompanied by the intimidating Imperial stormtroopers.
Michael Serna, executive creative director of Disney Live Entertainment, explains, "Vader's arrival was a must. He's the ultimate villain, an iconic presence."
Vader's search for Luke Skywalker brings him to Black Spire, and visitors might just cross paths with this powerful Sith lord near the iconic TIE Echelon.
"Did you know the TIE Echelon is an Imperial-era ship?" Kalama reveals. "It carries the signature colors and markings of that era. With Kylo Ren's ownership, it's like a vintage car, perfectly aligning with our new, updated timeline."
But fear not, rebels! Powerful allies are also joining the fray. Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia Organa will make their debut in Galaxy's Edge. The Imagineering and Disney Live Entertainment teams, in collaboration with Lucasfilm, have crafted new looks for Han and Leia, ensuring they're ready for their Batuu adventures.
Han sports his iconic vest, while Leia dons a battle-ready white outfit and a practical crown braid, reminiscent of her style on Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back. Matt Martin, senior creative executive at Lucasfilm, describes Leia's look as "her adventure attire, inspired by comic book appearances and the video game Star Wars Battlefront II."
And that's not all! Current fan favorites like Rey, R2-D2, Ahsoka Tano, and Chewbacca will continue to roam the land. Plus, fans might also encounter the Mandalorian Din Djarin and Grogu, who are embarking on a new adventure together. The Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will introduce a brand-new mission in May 2026, where you can team up with Mando and Grogu to track down Imperial officers and claim a bounty.
Serna emphasizes the team's commitment to creating an immersive and authentic experience. To celebrate the updates, Lucasfilm has partnered with Marvel Comics to release a tie-in comic series, revealing the backstory of how the Empire and the Rebels came to Batuu.
"You never know who you'll bump into under the spires," Serna adds. "Rey might appear closer to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, while Mando or Ahsoka could be wandering through the marketplace. And of course, R2-D2 will be roaming everywhere!"
Rediscovering Familiar Locations
Every corner of Black Spire Outpost has a rich history, and with the timeline shift, fans can explore these familiar locations in a whole new light. "We've carefully considered the backstories of the shops in the land," Kalama explains. "Since we're in a new era, some are now run by new proprietors."
One significant change is the refresh of First Order Cargo, which will be rebranded as Black Spire Surplus. Located near the TIE Echelon, this "military supply shop" will offer exclusive offerings from across the galaxy. "You'll find gear from the Rebels and the Empire," Martin teases. "It's your one-stop shop for faction merchandise."
The shop's backstory is just as intriguing. Martin reveals that Black Spire Surplus was founded by two former clone troopers who fought together in the Clone Wars and became close friends. Years later, one joined the Empire as a stormtrooper, while the other signed up with the Rebellion. As they aged, they decided to retire and become business partners, opening their shop on Batuu.
Additional updates are also coming to Dok-Ondar's Den of Antiquities, Savi's Workshop, and Droid Depot, ensuring these locales feel like they belong to the earlier timeframe.
"Dok always has new shipments and antiques," Martin says. "We'll see some new items on display, potentially some Easter eggs from recent live-action TV series."
A Galactic Soundtrack
Music is an integral part of Galaxy's Edge, and now, the soundtrack is expanding. As you wander through the market or stand beneath the Millennium Falcon, you'll hear themes from John Williams' iconic score, spanning the first six Star Wars films. Over at Oga's, DJ R-3X will spin the beloved "Cantina Band" tune.
"Standing in front of the Falcon or near Savi's, hearing the Force theme softly playing in the background, it's incredibly emotional and impactful," Kalama adds. "It completely transforms your experience of the land."
With these updates, Kalama hopes to create an even more immersive Galaxy's Edge, inviting visitors to create their own Star Wars stories in a whole new way. "We've agonized over every detail," he says with a laugh.
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable Star Wars adventure at Galaxy's Edge! Will you be among the first to experience these exciting updates?
