Star Wars fans share their Force Friday II stories

So, yesterday was Force Friday II, Black Friday for Star Wars fans, and many took to social media to share their merchandise haul stories to commemorate the release of The Last Jedi this December.

I shopped online for The Last Jedi ephemera and lived vicariously through fans' in-store anecdotes from Target to Toys "R" Us. Here's a selection of my favourites.







Find the Force, Disney's augmented reality (AR) treasure hunt, runs until 3rd September in participating stores worldwide.

How did you celebrate Force Friday II? Let me know in the comments below.

Celebrate Force Friday II at Apple Store

Star Wars fans will be able to celebrate Force Friday II at Apple Stores this Friday.

Apple will be hosting special events from 1st September thru 9th September in the United States, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, UK, France, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, Hong Kong, Italy, Switzerland, and Sweden.

Fans will be able to edit their own Star Wars trailers with an iPad and iMovie. Editing on an iPad Pro is something I have firsthand experience with and suggest fellow owners to invest in an Apple Pencil (if they haven't already done so) as it speeds up the workflow.

How To: Build Your Own Star Wars Trailer

"Explore how to create a Star Wars trailer with authentic footage from the films. You’ll discover signature Star Wars trailer-making techniques in an exclusive video from The Last Jedi director, Rian Johnson. Then you’ll create your own trailer complete with titles, transitions, sound effects, and official Star Wars music using iPad and iMovie."

Other Star Wars-related sessions will be offered, including a special effects masterclass from Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) at the Union Square store in San Francisco.

"Join ILM’s Hal Hickel, Landis Fields, and Colie Wertz and explore how they use animation and 3D modeling to bring the Star Wars galaxy to life. They’ll share their creative process, and give you a behind-the-scenes look at their journey from stop motion to CG. Then you’ll create your own Star Wars droids using the same techniques used at ILM—all with iPad Pro and Apple Pencil."

Apple Stores may carry new Star Wars toys from The Last Jedi, as part of the Find the Force campaign, too.

Will you be dropping by your local Apple Store? Let me know in the comments below.

Bring Your Rey Game to Force Friday II

US retailer Target invites Star Wars fans to "Bring Your Rey Game" on Force Friday II. This is a clever tagline based on the sequel trilogy's main character Rey (Daisy Ridley).

Think of Force Friday as the holiday season for Star Wars fans. This year promises to be the biggest yet with fans encouraged to Find the Force in celebration of The Last Jedi.



Toys have started appearing in stores ahead of Force Friday II. Most recently a 6-pack action figure set from Hasbro's The Last Jedi collection was seen for sale at UK retailer Tesco. Toys "R" Us will have midnight openings at selected stores. So, check with your local retailer for event information and exciting weekend offers from 1st September.

Star Wars fans Find the Force on Force Friday II

Force Friday II is a week today. A bi-annual merchandising event celebrating all-things Star Wars that began with The Force Awakens. This year, to promote The Last Jedi in theatres, Disney is releasing an augmented reality (AR) app for mobile devices.

“Force Friday II is a major milestone in the countdown to Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Star Wars has always championed new technology, and we are excited that augmented reality will allow fans to experience the universe in a whole new way,” says Kathleen Kennedy, President of Lucasfilm.

From 1st September thru 3rd September, fans will be able to capture their favourite characters at participating retailers in-store and online, and upload them using hashtag #FindtheForce to enter a sweepstake to attend the premiere of The Last Jedi.

Lucasfilm uploaded a cryptic message from General Leia.



For more information, visit Find the Force.

How are you celebrating Force Friday II? Let me know in the comments below.