Everyone seems to haveStar Warsfever these days, as the countdown continues toStar Wars: The Force Awakens' release on December 18. During last night’s episode ofSaturday Night Live, directorJ.J. Abramsmade a special appearance, where he shared never-before-seen “screen tests” fromStar Wars: The Force Awakens. The video features cast membersDaisy RidleyandJohn Boyega, along with a number of special guests.
Saturday Night Livecast memberCecily Strongwas featured imitatingSofía Vergara, in a screen test withDaisy Ridley. We also seeBeck BennettportrayJavier Bardem, Jay Pharoah played bothShaquille O’NealandChris Tucker, Jon Rudnitsky asJohn Mayer,Kate McKinnonas DameMaggie Smith, Taran Killam asDavid Beckham, Aidy Bryant as Wynonna Judd and Bobby Moynihan asGeorge Lucas. The video also features a number of special guests, such asEmma Stone,Michael BubléandJon Hamm.
Saturday Night Livecertainly aren’t the only ones capitalizing on a newStar Warsmovie. Earlier this week, Verizon debuted a commercial that featured both BB-8 and Chewbacca, and droidsC-3PO,R2-D2andBB-8finally meet in another commercial for British company O2. With just under a month untilStar Wars: The Force Awakenshits theaters, there will surely be more companies who will try to capitalize on the franchise’s immense popularity to sell their products. Regardless of what ads may come text, the anticipation for this franchise is at an all-time high, with box office records already being broken, weeks before it hits theaters. We reported yesterday that there has already been $50 million worth of advanced ticket sales, which shatters the previous record of $25 million set by 2012’sThe Dark Knight Rises.
Some box office analysts are predicting thatStar Wars: The Force Awakenscould make over $300 million in its opening weekend, which would shatter the newly-established record of $208.8 million set byJurassic Worldthis summer. With $50 million in pre-sales already, it certainly is possible thatStar Wars: The Force Awakenscould meet or exceed these incredibly high expectations, but we won’t know for sure until December 18. Some are speculating thatStar Wars: The Force Awakenscould reach up to $100 million in pre-sales before opening day, but we’ll have to wait and see.
J.J. AbramsdirectsStar Wars: The Force Awakensfrom a script he co-wrote withLawrence Kasdan. Fans have just 25 days left untilStar Wars: The Force Awakenshits theaters on December 18. Can you believe that this highly-anticipated release is almost here? Check out this new video from SNL below, and stay tuned for more as the countdown continues towardsStar Wars: The Force Awakens.
