Forced to wait: Valley ‘Star Wars’ fans camp out ahead of film’s release

PHOENIX — Fans anxious to see the latest “Star Wars” film have been lining up since Wednesday morning at at least one Phoenix-area theater.

Some took time off of work, some booked vacations, some slept at the Harkins at Tempe Marketplace overnight — with lows of nearly 30 degrees — and all are itching to be the first to see “The Force Awakens,” which begins showings Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Valley.

“You watch TV and see a cereal ad with ‘Star Wars’ or a preview of the movie,” fan Gregory Silvius, who stayed at the theater overnight, said. “I have high expectations that I’m trying to temper but I’m not very good at it.”

Another fan, who only gave his first name, said he was born in 1977, the same year the original “Star Wars” film was released.

“The trailers look great,” Dominic said. “It’s great to see the original cast. I want it to be a fun movie.”

“The Force Awakens” marks the return of the original stars. Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher who last appeared together in 1983 for “Return of the Jedi,” the finale of the first trilogy.

Some Phoenix-area theaters ran marathons of all seven “Star Wars” films — including the latest one — that began in the wee hours Thursday.

KTAR’s Jim Cross contributed to this report.

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