Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker heads to Disney+ on May the Fourth

May the Force be with Star Wars fans who, as of May the Fourth, aka Star Wars Day, will be able to marathon binge watch the entire nine episodes of the Skywalker saga (not to mention Rogue One and Solo, the two stand alone films) on Disney’s new streaming service – Disney+.

The movie is dropping out of lightspeed two months early for its move to Disney Plus. Think of it as a special gift from Disney and Lucasfilm for fans who are stuck at home during these uncertain times.

The Rise of Skywalker joins Disney+’s May the 4th line-up including the premiere of the eight-episode documentary series “Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian,” and the series finale of the award-winning animated series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

In The Rise of Skywalker, Lucasfilm and director J.J. Abrams joined forces once again to deliver the climactic chapter in the Skywalker saga, bringing the heroic struggle to restore peace and freedom to the galaxy to an epic, resounding conclusion.

The  film stars Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Anthony Daniels, Naomi Ackie, Domhnall Gleeson, Richard E. Grant, Lupita Nyong’o, Keri Russell, Joonas Suotamo, Kelly Marie Tran, with Ian McDiarmid and Billy Dee Williams

“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” is directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Abrams and Michelle Rejwan. Callum Greene, Tommy Gormley and Jason McGatlin serve as executive producers. The screenplay was written by Chris Terrio & J.J. Abrams and the story is by Derek Connolly & Colin Trevorrow and J.J. Abrams & Chris Terrio, based on characters created by George Lucas.

In addition to new content offerings, Disney+ will also honor the artistry of Star Wars with a week-long concept art takeover on the service. Like a commemorative gallery, each film and series’ artwork will be updated on May 4th to feature its original concept paintings.

From “Star Wars: A New Hope” to “The Mandalorian,” the updated art will feature work from celebrated artists such as the legendary Ralph McQuarrie and Academy Award-winning artist, author, and production designer, Doug Chiang.

On the Disney+ home screen, the animated “Star Wars” brand tile, viewable on web and connected TV devices, gets upgraded with a new animation that honors the signature hyperspace jump.

By: John Frost/Disney