A general view of atmosphere at the Los Angeles premiere of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” at the Shrine Auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
The world premiere event of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” began with a squad of Stormtroopers and droids among the early arrivals.
In addition to the Stormtroopers, a group of elite guards clad in red and some of the franchise’s most recognizable droids, C-3PO, R2-D2 and BB-8 made their way down the red carpet.
Costumed fans line up outside the premiere of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017. (AP Photo/Nicole Evatt)
BB-8 arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” at the Shrine Auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
“The Last Jedi” stars Daisy Ridley, Kelly Tran, Gwendoline Christie, Lupita Nyong’o and John Boyega also graced the red carpet, with some cast members opting for galactic-themed outfits.
Daisy Ridley arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” at the Shrine Auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Kelly Marie Tran arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” at the Shrine Auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Gwendoline Christie arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” at the Shrine Auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Lupita Nyong’o arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” at the Shrine Auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
John Boyega arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” at the Shrine Auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
They made their way to the site as Star Wars music played. They passed cheering fans, some clutching Porg toys and others snapping images with their smartphones.
The premiere is being held at the Shrine Auditorium near downtown Los Angeles.
It will be the first time anyone other than select VIPs has seen the eighth installment in the core Star Wars franchise, which follows the adventures of the Skywalker clan.
“The Last Jedi” includes the return of Luke Skywalker, who was only seen briefly in 2015’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” and the final performance of late actress Carrie Fisher. NVG
RELATED STORIES:
The hype reawakens: ‘Star Wars’ stages ‘Last Jedi’ premiere
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” reveals new trailer, poster