Vader Arrives in NYC: Empire State Building Hosts Epic Star Wars Event

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Star Wars fans, the Empire has arrived in New York City! In a thrilling surprise event on Thursday, March 21, Lucasfilm kicked off the “Imperial March” with a takeover of the Empire State Building. This month-long salute to Star Wars villains brought amazing reveals – think action figures, toys, collectibles, and more – perfect for celebrating the galaxy’s baddies in the lead-up to May the 4th. Highlights include Hasbro’s Force N’ Telling Vader and new Star Wars: The Black Series figures.

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But wait, there’s more! The Empire State Building (350 Fifth Avenue) has erupted in a Star Wars-themed light show. This dynamic spectacle showcased iconic villains, ships, and scenes. And don’t forget – a surprise guest from the Dark Side made an appearance in the Big Apple!

You can see all of today’s new reveals below:

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Imaginext® Star Wars Darth Vader Bot by Fisher-Price

Most impressive. This giant interactive robot stands over 2-feet-tall and features a disc launcher, extendable lightsaber, Force-inspired ball launcher, lights, sounds, and much more.

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Star Wars TruMoo Blue Milk by Dairy Farmers of AmericaTruMoo

The Star Wars galaxy’s favorite beverage comes home! This delicious vanilla-flavored milk is available on April 17.

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Imperial Stormtrooper Eco-Drive Watch by Citizen

Only Imperial stormtroopers are so precise. So said Obi-Wan Kenobi, and it especially applies to this handsome new dark side addition to the Star Wars | Citizen Collection of watches. The all-new Imperial Stormtrooper watch is sustainably powered by any light with Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology, so it never needs a battery.

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Force N’ Telling Vader by Hasbro

A Sith Lord never looked so cute! Ask Vader a yes or no question, press his head, and listen as he reveals your fate! The Force N’ Telling Vader electronic figure also features digital eyes and changing expressions, and is fun for dark side devotees of all ages. A Walmart exclusive.

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Star Wars: The Black Series Baylan Skoll (Mercenary) by Hasbro

We are no Jedi. The mysterious Force-wielder from Ahsoka joins Hasbro’s vaunted 6-inch Black Series collector’s line. A Walmart exclusive available later this year.

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Star Wars: The Black Series Dark Side Pack by Hasbro

Bring some of the saga’s most iconic villains to your collection. This three-pack includes new releases of Darth Vader, Grand Admiral Thrawn, and General Grievous (in concept-art deco!) for the ultimate bad guy box set.

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Star Wars ICONS: Darth Vader by Insight Editions

Explore the journey of one of film’s greatest villains — from his creation by George Lucas to the character’s lasting legacy — with this new tome from Insight Editions. Available for pre-order starting March 22 at 6 a.m. PT / 9 a.m. ET.

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Micro Galaxy Squadron Bongo Sub – Episode 1 Collection by Jazwares

Master, what’s a bongo? The sleek sub that transported Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, and Jar Jar in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace comes to life in micro form with Jazwares’ cool miniature. A Target exclusive.

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Salvaged Stormtrooper Helmet Bucket by Disney Parks

Talk about recycling! This clever release from Disney Parks sees an old stormtrooper helmet turned upside down and into an exciting collectible — the perfect way to snack when marathoning Star WarsAvailable for purchase at select locations throughout Disneyland Resort on May 4, while supplies last, and served with popcorn, french fries, or Galma Garlic Puffs, depending on location. Coming in May, the Salvaged Stormtrooper Helmet Bucket will also be available for purchase at select locations throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort.

And remember: Season of the Force is coming to Disneyland Park in California from April 4 – June 2! Season of the Force will see the iconic attraction Space Mountain transformed into Hyperspace Mountain, along with specially themed food and beverage, merchandise, and more.

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The Sith Apprentice: Darth Maul Legacy Lightsaber Hilt and Collector’s Box Set by Disney Store and Disney Parks

Live your best Darth Maul life with this amazing limited-edition collectible (7,000), presented in a wooden box with lighting effects. (It also plays a segment of the classic “Duel of the Fates!”) The double hilt also features sound effects and illuminates red when you attach two Legacy LIGHTSABER Blades, sold separately. Available on DisneyStore.com and at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort on May 4.

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May the 4th Be With You 2024 Collection by Disney Store and Disney Parks

Celebrate Star Wars Day with this retro-inspired range, which includes a t-shirt, pullover sweatshirt, baseball cap, and stainless steel water bottle. Available for purchase on Disney Store.com on April 4 and at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort on May 4.

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Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Collection by Disney Store and Disney Parks

Show your love of Episode I and its beloved baddie with this Darth Maul-focused collection, featuring tees, hoodies, lightsaber collectibles, limited-edition items, and more. Available for purchase on Disney Store.com and at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort on May 4.

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Will Gay Artist Series Star Wars Collection by Disney Store and Disney Parks

Enjoy tees, home décor, and more, all featuring the charming and whimsical art of Will Gay. Available for purchase at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort on April 3 and on DisneyStore.com on April 8.

March 20 – Imperial March

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Dark Side Collection by Girls Crew

Do you know the power of the dark side? With these new studs, rings and more, the struggle between light and dark will start to turn.

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Star Wars: The Black Series Mae (Assassin) by Hasbro

Inspired by the character’s appearance in The Acolyte, Mae and several other just-revealed characters including Jedi Master Sol and Jedi Master Indara, will join the 6-inch-scale line.

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Thrawn: Alliances Miniseries by Marvel

Grand Admiral Thrawn returns in a miniseries from Marvel comics written by Timothy Zahn and Jody Houser.

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Star Wars: Vader’s Castle – The Deluxe Library Collection by Dark Horse

Get in, we’re going to Mustafar! Star Wars: Vader’s Castle – The Deluxe Library Collection brings the terrifying tales together for the first time in one place. Arriving September 24, the collection is available for preorder now.

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Dark Side Collection by RSVLTS

The dark side has always had style. Show yours with a new fit, available today at 4 p.m. ET.

March 13 – Imperial March

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Imperial March Stormtroopers T-Shirt by Amazon Merch on Demand

An entire legion of my best troops await them! Celebrate the Empire’s loyal soldiers with this cool, Emperor-approved tee.

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Star Wars: The Black Series Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 3-Pack by Hasbro

Inspired by the modern classic game Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, this 3-pack features both new iterations and Black Series debuts of major characters: Cal Kestis (Inquisitor Vision), Second Sister Inquisitor, and Purge Trooper. An Amazon exclusive. Available Spring 2024.

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Micro Galaxy Squadron N-1 Starfighter by Jazwares

Now THIS is podracing. Get ready for the 25th anniversary of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace with the new Micro Galaxy Squadron N-1 Starfighter, featuring Anakin Skywalker and R2-D2.

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Star Wars Classic Collection by Oxford Pennant

Show your allegiance to Imperial rule with these releases from Oxford Pennant, perfect for any gaming den, bedroom, or gallery wall.

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Star Wars: The High Republic Downloadable Poster Set

For light and life, enjoy this free Star Wars: The High Republic poster set by the great Phil Noto; it features some of the acclaimed publishing initiative’s greatest villains, including (from left to right): Driggit Parse, Niv Dendrow Apruk, General Viess, Ghirra Starros, Marchion Ro, Baron Boolan, and the Nameless creature.


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