For years, Star Wars fans have asked the same question while standing under the spires of Batuu: Where’s Luke? Where’s Vader? Where’s Leia?Where is everyone from the Star Wars Original Trilogy?
Now, finally, Disney has answered.
Beginning April 29, 2026, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland is officially expanding beyond the sequel-era timeline. Black Spire Outpost will now welcome characters and stories from the Star Wars Original Trilogy and The Mandalorian, making this the most significant evolution of the land since it opened in 2019.
Yes—Darth Vader is coming to Batuu. And he’s bringing friends.
Galaxy’s Edge Grows Up
When Galaxy’s Edge debuted, it was locked into a very specific moment in Star Wars history: the narrow window between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. That commitment to canon was bold… and also limiting.
This update breaks that restriction wide open.
Now, Batuu will span multiple eras, allowing guests to encounter heroes and villains from Return of the Jedi and The Mandalorian—without breaking immersion. Think of it less as a retcon and more like Batuu becoming what it always wanted to be: a crossroads of galactic history.
Legendary Characters, Finally on Batuu
The headliner here is obvious.
Darth Vader will patrol Black Spire Outpost, often appearing near the imposing TIE Echelon, now recontextualized as an Imperial-era craft. Seeing Vader in Galaxy’s Edge isn’t just cool—it feels correct. This is the visual language Star Wars fans grew up with.
On the opposite side of the Force, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo will also make appearances.
Leia debuts a new, battle-ready white outfit inspired by The Empire Strikes Back and classic comics, complete with a practical crown braid. Han shows up exactly how you want him to: vest, blaster, and permanent “I’ve got a bad feeling about this” energy.
And yes—Din Djarin and Grogu will continue roaming Batuu on special missions, now fully woven into the land’s evolving timeline.
Batuu’s Shops Get a Story Upgrade
This expansion isn’t just about characters—it’s about world-building.
- First Order Cargo is being reimagined as Black Spire Surplus, a military supply shop offering gear from both the Empire and the Rebellion. Its backstory is surprisingly heartfelt: two clone troopers—one Imperial, one Rebel—who survived the war and now run the shop together.
- Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities will feature new relics and deep-cut Easter eggs pulled from a Disney+ series.
- Oga’s Cantina gets a musical refresh, with DJ R-3X spinning familiar John Williams themes alongside galactic remixes—including the iconic Cantina Band.
John Williams, Everywhere
One of the quietest—but most powerful—changes is the music.
Galaxy’s Edge will now incorporate classic John Williams themes from across the saga. The Imperial March may follow Vader through the marketplace. The Force Theme may drift through the air near the Millennium Falcon.
This alone will fundamentally change how Batuu feels. Music is memory, and Star Wars fans carry these melodies in their bones.
Smugglers Run Gets a New Mission
In May 2026, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will receive a brand-new mission featuring The Mandalorian.
Guests will join Din Djarin and Grogu on a bounty-hunting job targeting Imperial remnants, adding much-needed replay value to the attraction and giving fans a fresh reason to jump back into the cockpit.
Why This Matters
This update confirms something fans have hoped for since day one: Galaxy’s Edge is no longer frozen in time.
Batuu is becoming a living Star Wars world—one that evolves, adapts, and finally embraces the full legacy of the saga. Whether you grew up with the Original Trilogy, fell in love during the prequels, or joined the galaxy through Disney+, there’s now space for your Star Wars story.
April 29, 2026 marks the beginning of that new era.
And honestly? It’s about time.