Star Wars: The Last Jedi: Film expected to make $440 million on opening weekend

World
Europe

It's opening weekend for The Last Jedi in the US and fans are ready to fill up theaters across the country to be taken to a galaxy far away. The latest Star Wars installment, however, opened one day earlier in some cities including Hollywood. So CGTN's May Lee went to the most famous venue in LA LA Land to see the excitement first-hand.

When it comes to Star Wars, it's no holds barred in Hollywood. From life-size Walkers to dark side warrior Kylo Ren, opening night of The Last Jedi at the TCL Chinese Theater follows a long standing tradition that includes lining up to see the first showing.

"There is, like, no other experience than lining up at the original theater that they showed Star Wars at."

"This is the only place to see Star Wars this is the original, it's like the alma mater, that's why you come here, right "

"My first Star Wars movie was The Force Awakens because I never saw, I never saw the other movies."

Star Wars, arguably, is the only film franchise that has consistently maintained a die-hard fan base for four decades. Eight films so far have grossed more than seven and a half billion dollars worldwide. "The Last Jedi" is projected to make up to $440 million opening weekend and these fans in Hollywood are more than happy to contribute to that gigantic pot.

MAY LEE HOLLYWOOD There's a reason why there's so much hoopla here at the Chinese Theater. It was back in 1977 when the first Star Wars film debuted here. It played for 52 weeks straight and it was sold out, so this is really ground zero for Star Wars fans."

"To be sitting here and to see it in the same theater where the original premiered 40 years ago, that's why we're here, to feel that magic, to feel the excitement."

"This is like the best theater I think in the US to see it in so this is unreal."

So special is this first showing of The Last Jedi at the TCL Chinese Theater that the movie's director Rian Johnson made a surprise appearance.

RAIN JOHNSON, DIRECTOR "STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI" "You guys are the best fans in the galaxy. I'm so psyched."

Before the film began, a special moment of silence for the late Carrie Fisher, who played Princess Leia for the last time in The Last Jedi.

"If you have a light sabre, please raise it in the air in tribute of Carrie Fisher."

But the show must go on and for these dedicated Star Wars fans there's no where else in the galaxy they'd rather be. The force is strong with this crowd. May Lee, CGTN, Hollywood.