SASKATOON – The force is strong among Star Wars fans who snatched up tickets to the 18 shows debuting in Saskatoon on Thursday. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the long-anticipated seventh instalment of the franchise.
Geoff Fossenier was quick to adopt the new storyline, wearing a home-made Kylo Ren costume, the antagonist in the latest film.
“Darth Vader’s been around for 30-plus years now and Kylo Ren is the new kid on the block that everybody’s going to get excited for,” Fossenier said.
READ MORE: ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ sets pre-sales records on opening night
Businesses in Saskatoon are also celebrating the monumental day for science fiction cinema. Chocolate Darth Vader helmets, Millenium Falcons and X-Wings are available at Metal Designz on Broadway.
They even have Han Solo trapped in chocolate, instead of carbonite.
“I think we’ve all wanted to have hair buns and be Princess Leia at some point. It’s definitely a movie that’s caught and held on more than I think anything else,” said Metal Designz owner Shelley Hubbs.
Many literally worship Star Wars, with about 9,000 Canadians identifying as Jedi Knights in the religion portion of the 2011 National Household Survey.
“Fandom, in any form, is just another way to spend your energy and something else to be passionate about,” said Pat Thompson, owner of 8th Street Books & Comics.
Playing on about 500 Cineplex screens across Canada, The Force Awakens takes places about 30 years after Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi.
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