Disney is laying the groundwork for a significant reimagining of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, signaling a new creative direction for one of its most immersive theme park lands.
Approaching its seventh anniversary at Disneyland Resort, Galaxy’s Edge is poised for a sweeping refresh that will redefine how visitors interact with Batuu. What began as a location firmly tied to the sequel trilogy has slowly loosened its narrative boundaries over the years, and Disney has now confirmed that the land is about to undergo its most extensive evolution to date.
When it debuted, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge stood apart as one of Disney’s most ambitious theme park environments. Built simultaneously at Disneyland Park in California and Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida, the land dropped guests into an entirely original corner of the Star Wars universe rather than recreating familiar film locations.
That corner is Batuu, an Outer Rim planet anchored by Black Spire Outpost. Imagineers filled the space with jagged rock spires, battered starships, and alien marketplaces, weaving a story that played out in real time as Resistance fighters operated in secret and First Order forces marched through the streets.
Two headline attractions form the backbone of the experience. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run places guests inside the iconic ship, assigning them jobs that shape how each mission unfolds.
That attraction is about to change in a big way. Beginning in late May, figures from The Mandalorian will step into the spotlight, with Mando and “Baby Yoda” integrated into the ride’s storyline. The update is timed to Lucasfilm’s upcoming theatrical release, The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026).
Across the land, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance continues to deliver a multi-layered adventure that combines massive sets, trackless ride technology, and live performers, immersing guests in a high-stakes encounter between the Resistance and the First Order.
Beyond the rides, Galaxy’s Edge has always leaned heavily into atmosphere. Guests sip specialty drinks at Oga’s Cantina, sample food inspired by off-world cultures, and participate in interactive offerings like lightsaber construction and droid assembly. From the merchandise to the wandering characters, the land has been designed to function as a cohesive, story-driven environment.
That story is about to widen its scope.
“Beginning April 29, 2026, visitors will be invited to immerse themselves in different points of the Star Wars saga inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park as they never have before,” Disney Parks Blog announced this week, “with characters and storylines that capture the heart of what draws guests to this galaxy far, far away.”
As part of that shift, Disney will introduce characters synonymous with the original trilogy. Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia—portrayed by Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher—will begin appearing throughout Galaxy’s Edge starting April 29. Disney also outlined how and where guests might encounter them:
Darth Vader’s search for Luke Skywalker will bring him to Batuu. This Sith Lord will be joined by Imperial Stormtroopers, and as they seek the elusive Jedi, they may find hints of the Force around the outpost.
Leia Organa and Han Solo will be reunited with Luke Skywalker and Chewbacca amid the rocky spires.
Luke Skywalker will roam the outpost seeking knowledge of the Force and artifacts related to lightsaber building, kyber crystals, and more.
Leia Organa may be spotted near the Millennium Falcon, where she’ll recruit travelers and locals to help keep Luke safe.
Han Solo will also linger around his prized ship, tempted by the local cantina.
Credit: Disney
Disney confirmed that characters already associated with Batuu, including Rey, the Mandalorian, and Ahsoka, will continue to appear. However, Kylo Ren and the First Order will seemingly no longer patrol the land, with Kylo’s presence now limited to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
By bringing together heroes and villains from across multiple eras, Black Spire Outpost is no longer confined to a single point in the Star Wars timeline. Instead, Disney Experiences is positioning the land as a flexible narrative space capable of spotlighting fan-favorite figures from throughout the saga.
To support this narrative shift, Disney is also revising Batuu’s place within Star Wars canon through a new comic book series.
Written by Ethan Sacks, who previously penned the Batuu tie-in comic released in 2019, “Star Wars–Echoes of the Empire” will arrive in comic shops on April 22, just days before the Disneyland Resort changes take effect.
“Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Chewbacca head to Batuu in search of important intel and stumble upon a dangerous relic – one that puts them on a collision course with the Empire!” the synopsis reads, per Comic Book Movie.
Sacks described the project as a turning point for Galaxy’s Edge (via Jedi News):
“We’re returning to Batuu and we’re bringing the biggest stars in the Star Wars galaxy with us […] A major new era is dawning at Galaxy’s Edge and consider ECHOES OF THE EMPIRE a Holocron that reveals the secret story behind that experience. It’s going to be epic and Jedi (drawing) Masters Roi Mercado and Jethro are making sure every page looks amazing.”
While some fans may miss the land’s original sequel-era framing, others will likely appreciate the opportunity to encounter legacy characters like Luke Skywalker during a visit.
The updates extend beyond character meet-and-greets. Guests will hear music drawn from the original six films, including the “Main Title,” Force Theme, and cues such as “Han Solo and the Princess,” “The Desert and the Robot Auction,” and “The Emperor.” Oga’s Cantina will continue to feature the classic “Cantina Band,” reflecting the Galactic Civil War era.
Retail spaces are also being reworked. First Order Cargo will transition into Black Spire Surplus, described as “a military salvage operation offering artifacts from across the history of the galaxy,” while Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities will periodically introduce new rare items.
Droid Depot will showcase earlier Mubo family designs centered on BB-style droids, and Savi’s Workshop will remain a focal point for lightsaber building as Luke Skywalker seeks deeper understanding of the Force.
Nighttime offerings such as “Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga” and select presentations of “Fire of the Rising Moons” will continue, with enhancements introduced over time. The full Galaxy’s Edge transformation officially launches on April 29, 2026.
How do you feel about Disney forcing this sequel trilogy timeline change at Galaxy’s Edge? Let us know in the comments down below!
