The Empire struck back on Monday night, as the behemoth franchise known as "Star Wars" premiered its latest entry with a massive red carpet screening and bash for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."
And you didn't need to have lightsaber-like acumen to know that it was the biggest ticket in Hollywood, bringing out celebrities and fans and celebrifans alike — many of whom really got into it!
Like, say, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who strode the carpet decked out like a giant Yoda (or perhaps an elf after a shower):
And Rainn Wilson, who came as a Jedi with his son Walter (Boba Fett):
And star Lupita Nyong'o, who is definitely the center of our universe:
Plus some of the usual suspects were on hand, like director J.J. Abrams, Steven Spielberg and star Oscar Isaac:
And the original galaxy of stars, Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher:
Ford also took a moment to sign a prop:
And new star John Boyega (who delighted us with his excited reaction to seeing the film's trailer in October) was also reveling in the moment:
As was fellow new star Daisy Ridley, who wrote on Instagram she felt "a bit like a princess" on the carpet:
It's been 38 years since the first film was released, but the franchise still has enormous power. The premiere took over a half-mile section of Hollywood Boulevard, and the screening took up three theaters in Hollywood to accommodate everyone who attended.
MORE: Fans react to 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' trailer with joy, tears and flips
Here's one of the droids the paparazzi were looking for:
Of course, a "Star Wars" red carpet wouldn't be complete without some Stormtroopers. This may be one of the rare times a group like this is greeted with cheers!
And of course, regular folks also had a great time, dressing up and hanging out with the stars:
Without giving away any spoilers, it seems like the general feeling on the film is thumbs-up, at least if you read to the social media accounts of some super fans.
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" premieres nationwide on December 18.
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