Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be unleashed in cinemas this December and as with all previous entries in the saga the most-anticipated episode yet will be heralded by a massive merchandise push which will begin with a global YouTube unboxing event on September the 3rd.
Starting in Sydney, Australia at 7:45am local time the official Star Wars channel and the Maker Studios network on YouTube will host the largest online product launch in history. The 18-hour live streaming event will span 15 cities and 12 countries and will offer a first look at all the brand new toys, lightsabers and other memorabilia from The Force Awakens.
The seventh episode in the Star Wars saga, now a Disney owned property, sees the return of fan favourites including Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Chewbacca, whose likeness on new merch is sure to appeal to veteran fans. The film also introduces a new generation of characters including bad-guy Kylo Ren and cute droid BB-8. Both of which are sure to be top-sellers with kids and grown-ups alike, appearing as action figures and featured on everything from T-shirts, posters and lunchboxes.
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In the announcement article on StarWars.com LucasFilm President Kathleen Kennedy says “Star Wars toys have always played an important role in how our fans interact with the saga” – “They’ve inspired multiple generations to relive the experience of the movies and to create new adventures all their own. These spectacular Star Wars: The Force Awakens products will continue that tradition.”
The items unboxed online during the YouTube event on Thursday the 3rd of September will go on sale from midnight the following day at Disney Stores and other retailers with fans encouraged to post their purchases on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #ForceFriday.
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This is the first time Star Wars products, or any products that we’re aware of, have been promoted on such a huge scale and the idea of uniting fans via YouTube and social media to share in the excitement and enjoyment of their favourite franchise is really ground-breaking. Prepare your fan-budget to blow up like the Death Star on Friday the 4th.
May Force Friday be with you!
Source: StarWars.com