On April 29, the Star Wars experience at Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge will expand its timeline to include characters from the original trilogy. The initial announcement that Han, Luke, Leia, Darth Vader, and even Chewbacca would soon be walking through the park was met with excitement from many long-time fans. In theory, it should provide an opportunity for families to create memorable moments with some of cinema’s most iconic figures.
Luke Skywalker watches the Tatooine sunset in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope – YouTube, Collective Culture
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The challenge with icons, however, is that they are instantly recognizable—and closely scrutinized. In an effort to build anticipation, Disney released photos and videos showcasing the cast members who will portray these characters.
Rather than generating universal enthusiasm, the images quickly sparked a wave of online commentary, with many reactions leaning toward critique and ridicule.
Initial Social Media Response
A first look at the legacy trio in classic outfits at a Batuu-like setting was greeted with, “This is so bad, guys.”
Man.
This is so bad, guys. pic.twitter.com/k8DpbfdNbm
— Huff (@Huff4Congress) April 17, 2026
Another user posed a side-by-side comparison of the park’s Han and Chewie with a promotional shot from the original Star Wars. The assessment was simple: “Nope.”
Nope pic.twitter.com/v6IzbO54Ri
— Jet Screamer (@JScreamer13807) April 17, 2026
“TEAMU Han, Luke, and Leia,” wrote another.
While the cast members can only do so much to resemble the actors, many commenters online noted that the mannerisms of the cast members don’t feel true the characters as portrayed on screen. “Look they don’t have to look like the actors,” one post says. “But the mannerisms and attitude on display in this promotions is ALL WRONG for the characters. Disney – REWATCH the Movies.”
Look they don’t have to look like the actors. But the mannerisms and attitude on display in this promotions is ALL WRONG for the characters.
Disney – REWATCH the Movies.Oh wait. You can’t even make good Star Wars movies. NVM.
— Ivan (@Valiantes_) April 16, 2026
Disney has long strived to deliver an immersive experience at its parks. Still, an awareness of how theme parks operate can sometimes interfere with that full suspension of disbelief. Commenting on a video of Leia, one user wrote, “I’m sure she’s a very capable cast member, but doesn’t it seem like they pulled her out of a Snow White costume and said, ‘okay, now you’re Princess Leia?'”
Not All Reactions Are Negative
While honest praise for the look of the Galaxy’s Edge original trilogy characters is few and far between, some comments do express a degree of optimism.
Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back – Star Wars, YouTube
“Han and Leia look like overly prettified Disney Princess versions of the characters, but it’s early days,” One user wrote. “I’m sure in time the outfits and wigs will look less like Smiffy’s costumes. Give them a chance.”
Han and Leia look like overly prettified Disney Princess versions of the characters, but it’s early days. I’m sure in time the outfits and wigs will look less like Smiffy’s costumes. Give them a chance.
— 𝙇𝙞𝙖𝙢 (@TribalSpaceman) April 17, 2026
Others are simply glad to see Galaxy’s Edge incorporating original trilogy legacy characters: “You know what, maybe not the best character actors for the roles, but on the other hand I’m all for the OT characters being used, so I’m happy enough.”
Beyond the First Look
Ultimately, the first look at the Galaxy’s Edge expansion into the original trilogy is creating engagement. While it is easy to react to images and clips online, those snapshots only capture a fraction of the intended experience. The real test will come on the ground at Disneyland, where context, performance, and in-person interaction often shape perception far more than promotional material ever can.
Harrison Ford in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi – Star Wars, YouTube
Whether these portrayals deepen immersion or—more likely—continue to draw mockery, the success of the expansion will ultimately be measured not in screenshots, but in the lived reactions of guests walking through Batuu.
What do you think of portrayal of the original trilogy characters at Galaxy’s Edge? Sound off in the comments!
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Oh man, those are horrible attempts at recreating legacy characters. 😅😅
The Gay-ification of Star Wars continues.