This November, Star Wars will see another holiday special, this time with the galaxy far, far away recreated in Lego form. Perhaps some of you may not remember the first holiday special, and if so that’s understandable for two reasons. One, it came out back in 1978. And two, it was not very good. However, this special, coming to Disney+, seems to take the concept in a few different directions.
The original 1978 holiday special focuses on the main cast heading to the Wookie planet of Kashyyyk to celebrate “Life Day” with Chewbacca’s family. Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford reprise their roles as Luke, Leia, and Han from the original film. It also features Broadway stars Bea Arthur and Diahann Caroll, and comedian Harvey Korman. Oh, did I mention it’s also a musical?
The upcoming version will likely not be a musical (although you never know), but according to producer Josh Rimes it’s inspired by holiday movie classics such as Planes, Trains, and Automobiles and It’s a Wonderful Life. Taking place after the events of Rise of Skywalker, the special will focus on animated Lego versions of the characters reuniting to celebrate Life Day. Unlike the lengthy two hour 1978 holiday special, this one will clock in at a lean 45 minutes.
Several cast members will reprise their roles, and the special will feature everyone from Obi-Wan Kenobi to Emperor Palpatine. That’s right, Emperor Palpatine will be back again. Although mercifully it seems he’s staying dead this time, as Rey will travel to the past to interact with characters from the original trilogy as their younger selves. You had us there for a minute, Disney.
Rimes also remarked that the special will serve as “a celebration of the saga,” and that the comedic take on the franchise will even feature characters from the original holiday special. The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special will arrive on Disney+ on November 17, 2020, which happens to be the 42nd anniversary of the original Star Wars Holiday Special airing on CBS.
