To celebrate the massive success of "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Glogo" (directed by Jon Favreau), the first new theatrical release in the "Star Wars" (SW) series in seven years, IMAX Glogo special screenings were held in Tokyo and Osaka on June 17th. Here's a report on the Tokyo event.
◇When Grogoo uses the Force, there are also cheers of "Go for it!"
The cheering screenings held on the same day in both Tokyo and Osaka were sold out, and attendees were allowed to cheer, wear costumes, and bring in cheering goods such as merchandise and penlights. Repeat viewers and fans gathered to watch the film on the big IMAX screen and cheer on the exploits of characters like Glogoo and the Mandalorian.
The packed Tokyo venue was filled to capacity, with female fans making up 60-70% of the audience. Those involved in the event couldn't hide their surprise, saying, "This is the first time we've seen so many female attendees at a Star Wars event." Before the screening, most of the audience members were wearing the Glogoo "ear" headbands that were distributed upon entry, getting into the spirit of the film.
As the screening began, the audience clapped along to the opening theme and waved lightsabers, and some even shouted "Thank you, Lucasfilm!" as the titles rolled. Sighs of "So cute!" could be heard at Glogoo's adorable gestures and waddling gait, and cheers of "Go for it!" were heard when he used the Force.
A pre-screening survey revealed that some fans had seen the film more than 20 times, and there were moments where repeat viewers' unique insights were on full display, such as when hardcore fans cheered at scenes featuring cameo appearances by the production staff. There was also a moment when the entire audience chanted the Mandalorian's famous line, "This is the way."
◇ Viewers said they were "excited" by Grog's appearance and "fired up" by the arena scene.
After the screening, we asked audience members who were leaving the venue for their impressions. A teenage boy who said it was his fourth time seeing the film said with sparkling eyes, "It's a 'Star Wars' film, but the fact that there are no lightsabers is really innovative and interesting. It's a film that's full of cuteness and coolness."
Two women, aged 19 and 20, who were both watching for the fourth time, said they binge-watched the movie series and the Mandalorian TV series, adding, "Glogoo is so cute, and once we started watching, we really liked the other characters too." They continued, "Glogoo has grown so much, it's like we're looking at him with parental affection," and "He's no longer just someone Mando (the Mandalorian) protects, he's become his partner."
A woman in her twenties, who was watching the film for the third time, excitedly said, "I was so thrilled when Glogoo first appeared," and expressed her desire to see it again, saying, "I want to see it not only in IMAX, but also in other large formats and dubbed versions."
A man in his 50s, a longtime fan of "Star Wars," commented on the film, which he was watching for the seventh time, saying, "Some people say it's different from the world of 'Star Wars,' but it's very well-made and interesting in its own right, so I think you should just enjoy it as a standalone work."
A woman in her 40s, who was watching the film for the eighth time and said she was a fan of Glogoo, said, "I got hooked after watching the Mandalorian drama series many times." She added with a satisfied smile, "The arena scene was the most exciting. I felt like I was a spectator in the arena and enjoyed it by raising my fists."
◇ Box office revenue surpasses 2.5 billion yen, surpassing "Solo: A Star Wars Story".
The film "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Glogo" is set after the death of Darth Vader and the collapse of the Empire. In a lawless galaxy, the Mandalorian, a solitary bounty hunter who perfectly completes any job while adhering to strict rules under the motto "Our Way," gradually develops a father-son-like bond with Glogo, the mischievous and gluttonous "The Child," who possesses immense Force powers, during their journey together. "He'll outlive me. I can't protect him forever..." The story follows these two bound by an unbreakable bond as they confront destiny to prevent a new war aimed at the resurgence of the Empire.
Released on May 22nd, the film topped the box office in Japan for three consecutive weeks. Now in its fourth week of release, as of June 16th, it has surpassed 2.5 billion yen in box office revenue and attracted over 1.5 million viewers. This surpasses the 2.14 billion yen box office revenue of "Solo: A Star Wars Story," released in 2018. Worldwide box office revenue has reached $315 million (approximately 50.517 billion yen, calculated at 160 yen to the dollar, according to Box Office Mojo, as of June 16th).
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the US theatrical release of the first film in the series, "Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV)." It has also been announced that "Star Wars: Starfighter," starring Ryan Gosling, will be released in the US in May 2027.
