Star Wars Celebration has announced 41 signing guest for this year’s autograph hall (you can order your autograph tickets HERE) and has confirmed they will have over 50 guests spread out over the five days in Chicago. As autograph collectors we’re always eager for the next announcement.
We have learned from Mark Von Ohlen, manager of Topps Star Wars Authentics and the person responsible for booking signing guests for Star Wars Celebration, that The Mandalorian and Episode IX principle, as well as new cast members, will not be able to sign for Topps in Chicago.
“Every movie that has come out, and every TV show that has come out, is as deep as we can go.” explained Von Ohlen. “Even with The Mandalorian we’re not permitted to bring them as autograph guests because that show has not come out yet. That’s also true for the core cast of Episode IX and anyone who would be new for Episode IX. ”
I reviewed the Episode IX announcement released by Lucasfilm and Disney on July 27, 2018 and here are the cast members mentioned.
“Returning cast members include Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, and Billie Lourd. Joining the cast of Episode IX are Naomi Ackie, Richard E. Grant, and Keri Russell, who will be joined by veteran Star Wars actors Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, and Billy Dee Williams, who will reprise his role as Lando Calrissian.”
As of now we have two cast members from that official announcement already attending Celebration: Joonas Suotama and Billy Dee Williams.
Not mentioned in the official announcement but part of Episode IX and attending Celebration are Brian Herring, Dave Chapman and Greg Grunberg.
There will be no official products from those properties until Triple Force Friday on October 4th, which includes the Topps images they would be signing in autograph hall.
“You can expect, as a quick turnaround licensee like Star Wars Authentics, we can have photos out October 4th.” said Von Ohlen. “That’s when you’ll be able to see product. Authentics will definitely have photos for anything they give us access to.”
Another reason is a very simple one. Any image of the character that would be signed is a potential spoiler.
“I couldn’t bring Naomi Ackie even if I wanted to, and believe me I would like to, but we’re not permitted because we haven’t seen the movie yet.” said Von Ohlen. “We don’t know what she looks like in her outfit. Is she in an Imperial uniform, or in a Resistance uniform or is she someone completely different? That imagery will not be available so you won’t be able to see those unfortunately but we will have through The Last Jedi, so Solo, Rogue One and The Force Awakens.”
Fans of Star Wars: The Clone Wars will be happy to know that it will be a focus of Celebration this year.
“We’re really celebrating The Clone Wars.” exclaimed Von Ohlen. “I won’t have anything from the new trailer. I have asked, but if for some reason something changes an we can pull from that trailer I will bang them out super fast for you guys.”
You can listen to our full interview with Mark on the latest episode of the Star Wars Autograph News podcast. Click HERE to listen and if you could subscribe to the show we’d appreciate the support.
Star Wars Authentics is the official photograph partner of Star Wars. For more information visit their website www.starwarsauthentics.com.
For a list of the other signers already announced for #SWCC, as well as a compilation of all the signers from every previous Celebration and the cost of their autographs, click HERE.
Star Wars Celebration Chicago will take place April 11-15 at McCormick Place. Visit StarWarsCelebration.com for tickets and more info.
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