Fans #GoRogue for Star Wars Force Friday Malaysia 2016

by contributing writer Nicholas Lai

It was a fair crowd on a Thursday evening, the 29th of September 2016, replete with many in anticipation of the new line of toys and merchandise that was soon to be released, several months ahead of the new Star Wars: Rogue One screening, and there was a little something brought into town from that certain galaxy far, far away.

Toys R Us Mid Valley Megamall standing by for the midnight launch of Rogue One Star Wars products.

To some, it was like an early Christmas as men, women and children of all ages from across Malaysia came in the hundreds to have first access to these movie merchandise, and to others it was yet another opportunity to make fun and celebrate with the fandom. Among those present were local fan clubs dedicated to the Star Wars universe, namely Star Wars Malaysia Fan Club (SWMFC), Rebel Legion, Force Arts Stunt Team (FAST), 501st Legion and Fightsaber MY.

Costumers with Rebel Legion Malaysia Outpost.

FN-2187, also lovingly known as Finn, or to some as TRAITOR!

The boys and men of Star Wars Malaysia Fan Club (SWMFC).

Rebel pilots being nice with the imperial officer before they off him...j/k

It was well into the closing hour of the mall when the crowd picked up and the emcee began engaging the long line that gathered to wait for the grand release in front of the countdown timer. Many from the costume groups have also come forth to parade and support the event, mingling and allowing photographs to be taken while taking a load off the wait while donning themed uniforms, gear and lightsabers. Several notable characters have made their appearance, from Darth Vader, to Kylo Ren and FN-2187 of Episode VII.

Imperial forces on the left, about to unleash righteous fury...

Rebel army on the right, about to take back what's left!

Rebel Legion and the local saber-swingers, Force Arts Stunt Team (FAST)

Vader's taking an "AEON" to force-choke this rebel

Prior to the launch, Toys'R Us had shuttered off at 2200 hours in order to make preparations for the launch at midnight, by which their very-recently updated product lines would then be revealed to a much-welcomed fanfare.

Anxious anticipation in the countdown queue, just minutes away from the big opening.

Gradually inching toward the count of midnight, the crowd began to condense into tighter lines as they prepared to enter the store, and as the shutters lifted they were soon released into the foray in search of their next collectible. Purchases above RM200 in a single receipt were entitled to a goodie bag, and that served to further fuel the buying frenzy.

The Goodie Bags. A mystery, really.

Star Wars themed stationery on display

Star Wars Rogue One LEGO diorama of the beachfront battle

Hasbro's battle diorama to scale of their 3.75in action figures

The latest Star Wars Rogue One toys from LEGO and Hasbro.

Brightly-colored Star Wars NERF blasters, ready for action

Star Wars LEGO, build your way to victory!

Of the products that were on display included a new selection from longtime brick-toys brand LEGO featuring key scenes from the upcoming Rogue One, replete with landing starships and beachfront battles, and the new Black Series figurines from toymaker giant Hasbro. There were also several display cabinets for more specialized orders, including the likes of action movie-star Donnie Yen's character from Rogue One as Chirrut Imwe, the blind Force-sensitive martial artist cast as a pewter collectible and produced by Royal Selangor, and the iconic movie-accurate Darth Vader flanked by his menacing Troopers by famed figure-makers Hot Toys.

Now you can be a StormTrooper with this Hasbro Black Series replica helmet! Complete with voice-changer!

A wide selection of freshly-released, brand new merchandise

Donnie Yen's Chirrut Imwe in all his shiny pewter glory, courtesy of Royal Selangor

The New Deathtrooper and Jedha Patroller 1:6 scale collectible figures by Hot Toys.

Lord Vader and his trusty troopers in 1:6 scale from Hot Toys.

Members of the FAST and their loot

Er, that's a "strange" choice lightsaber dude! 

The portal of purchase.

The launch event then lasted until roughly 2AM, 30th September as the crowd gradually dispersed into the night, some bringing home their newfound spoils for further appreciation, some already showing off to their fellow shoppers, friends and fans, and with the product launch promptly ending it was hours before the work day began again. 

Here's a video rundown of Force Friday by TGV Cinemas:

FORCE FRIDAY
Force Friday for the win! Fanboys lined up to be the first in Malaysia to own Star Wars Rogue One merchandises from Hasbro Toys, LEGO, Mattel at Toys "R" Us Mid Valley. Here's what went down last night! Catch Star Wars : Rogue One this coming Christmas on IMAX only at TGV Cinemas #TGVForceIsStrong
Posted by TGVCinemas on Friday, 30 September 2016

Rogue One: A Star Wars Movie will be in Malaysian cinemas 15 December 2016

May the Force be with Us!

#GoRogue

Disclaimer: Star Wars and other trademarks are copyright to Lucasfilm and/or Disney, referenced here for fan service announcements without intent to infringe.