Spoiler Warning: This article contains information about the Star Wars: The Force Awakens exhibit, so keep that in mind if you plan on visiting.
Star Wars fans have waited an awfully long time for The Force Awakens, the first of an ambitious sequel trilogy that gets its heavily-hyped North American release on December 18. So, it’s no surprise that Toronto fans of the epic sci-fi film series were happy to endure an hour-long lineup along Queen West for a sneak peak at the newly opened Star Wars pop-up shop, which began welcoming visitors on Saturday to promote the movie.
The 277 Queen St. W. pop-up shop, known as Star Wars: The Force Awakens – The Toronto Exhibit, will remain open through the final weekend before Christmas and about three days into what is sure to be a record-breaking run for the film. While the weekday lineups may prove more palatable, those craving their Star Wars fix ahead of December 18 may well be better off binge-watching the original trilogy or re-watching one of the previews than standing in line to see what amounts to a hastily thrown together costume display.
The fairly small space is made even smaller by the clutch of fans jostling for the best photo angle to capture a series of underwhelming displays. On your left as you enter is scavenger Rey alongside new droid BB-8 wandering the desert planet Jakku. In front, you have Captain Phasma, new baddie Kylo Ren and a First Order (formerly known as the Empire) Stormtrooper. On the right side of the exhibit, you are invited to purchase a $25 t-shirt and can also have your picture taken with a life-sized mock-up of BB-8. Friendly staff are also on hand for photo ops and to hand out promotional posters.
The Star Wars popup exhibit came with a long wait for fans, both die-hard and newly minted alike. (IMAGE: BEN FISHER)
Independently, each display is sleek and sharp, offering a tantalizing teaser to fans, most of whom didn’t need much help in getting excited for the new release. However, it’s hard to see what part of the experience was worth waiting an hour for. Billed as an ‘exclusive’ exhibit, Toronto fans aren’t treated to much info or insight that they can’t already collect from previews and the precious few crumbs that have trickled out about the shrouded-in-secrecy film.
The most enjoyable part of the experience was the camaraderie that emerged in line among Star Wars fans both young and old. While many were surprised by the long wait, few seemed to mind and took the opportunity to share nostalgic memories of past offerings and eagerly anticipate the pending release of The Force Awakens. For many in a crowd mostly composed of parents and children, the new release seemed to be an opportunity to share their own childhood passion with a new generation of kids experiencing the series for the first time. And the less said about the prequel series to these folks, the better.
