Here in Northeast Wisconsin people started lining-up early this morning outside Bay Park Square's Marcus Cinema before the sun even came up. Even at 10:00 o’clock Thursday evening the lines continue with fans waiting to get in to see a flick that was nearly 40 years in the making.
At Marcus Cinema they have 12 screens dedicated to Star Wars on Thursday night. The last showing starting at 1:30am still has some seats available. But many wanted to be the first ones through the doors, so they could acquire the best seat in the house.
You have to wake up early if you want to get the best spot in the theater for the Star Wars premiere, but not too early as some super fans found out.
"We came at 3 yesterday afternoon but we weren't allowed to pitch a tent then so they told us to come back in the morning so that's what we did," says the first person in line John Boygea of Shawano.
Because with company that includes Jedi masters, or at least folks that look like them, it’s easy to pass the time for a long awaited premiere.
"I’m probably Obi Wan Kenobi's older brother," jokes Richard Schadewald who is decked out in a Jedi robe for the tonight’s showing.
You can run into Sith Lords here, mini Storm Troopers, and a handful of Princess Leias’.
"It's really cool to come out here and just see what everybody is dressed up as," says Maunuel Vazquez of Marinette who is dressed as Darth Maul to the “t” even having horns sticking out of his head.
It’s safe to say these Star Wars fanatics are in good company.
"I've been to every opening of every Star Wars including the newer versions," says Schadewald who recalls his 1977 experience watching the first flick in Minneapolis.
But while the newest addition, The Force Awakens, comes on the heels of the three disappointing prequels for the franchise. Most in attendance for the big debut on Thursday admit they have high expectations.
"I haven't heard anything negative so I’m really jacked really stoked," adds Vazquez.
Fans here have reason to believe that this film, will bring the Star Wars franchise right back to its roots.
