Outpost Productions caters to a wide audience of Geek Pop Culture in Malaysia recognising that geeky fans are often passionate on not just one but multiple fandoms. In our ideal world, Star Wars fans and Trekkies peacefully co-exist. Same with comic book geeks who love both Marvel and DC. We publish geeky content here and support local pop culture events with fan engagements and coverage. MTFBWY and Live Long & Prosper!
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.
Star Wars is arguably the most epic space adventure to date, with millions of fans worldwide spanning different generations and demographics. The scale and magnitude of the Star Wars universe started out small and humble with the original trilogy spanning the late 1970s and 1980s. However, it has expanded to such a scope that there are now back stories to explain the rise of the Jedi and the Sith, as well as a book series on the descendants of Han Solo, Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker. There are even lengthy entries on Wookiepedia each of the creatures at the bar on Mos Eisley (called the Mos Eisley Cantina) where Obi-Wan and Luke meet Han Solo for the first time!
Anyone remember these guys?
Many Star Wars elements have made it into our daily lives, with the ubiquitous lightsaber being the most recognizable. In the last decade, there have been reports of people all over the world listing ‘Jedi’ or ‘Jedi Knight’ as their religion in response to official government census. What draws people in such a powerful way to this franchise? Well, even experts don’t really agree on one particular cause. Suffice to say it’s a complex mix of sentimentalism, escapism and good ol’ storytelling.
For many fans, the continuation of the original 6 episodes with a new trilogy is an almost religious experience, akin to receiving new revelation. Therefore, these months and weeks leading up to the release of Episode VII is filled with a feverish excitement, brought on mostly by those bits and pieces of teasers that Disney (who has bought over the franchise from George Lucas) keeps feeding fans, just like hors d’oeuvres before the main meal begins.
With not long to wait now, fans are spending their days refreshing their memories by re-watching the previous six episodes. However, if you’re a super busy Star Wars fan, here’s a 3 minute recap:
The highly anticipated Episode VII: The Force Awakens is being directed by J.J. Abrams, known for his penchant for lens flare and his previous science fiction movies like Armageddon and the recent Star Trek remakes. This time, the trilogy will be helmed by two British actors, John Boyega and Daisy Ridley as the two protagonists, Finn and Rey respectively. The original actors who play Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker and Han Solo are back as well, much to the delight and comfort of fans. Who can forget Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford?
Additionally, we’ll get to see the talents of many other new faces, like Adam Driver who plays villain Kylo Ren, Domnhall Gleeson as General Hux, Lupita Nyong’O as Maz Kanata, a space pirate and Oscar Isaacs as Poe Dameron, a pilot with the resistance. Interestingly, Gwendoline Christie also makes an appearance as Captain Phasma, an officer with the First Order.
Kylo Ren and the intimidating First Order
Just to make the wait a little less unbearable, you can watch a compilation of all the teasers and trailers that have been released thus far:
No doubt, many fans feel a tug in their hearts when Han Solo says “Chewie, we’re home”.
Not much is known about the storyline, except for the bits and pieces that can be picked out from the trailers. It would appear that even though the Galactic Republic has fallen, there continues to be a military power called the First Order that upholds the ideals of the old Republic and will resort to violence to get what they want. At the forefront of the First Order is the mysterious Kylo Ren (nobody can confirm or deny he’s a Sith Lord yet) who uses an extremely unique lightsaber in the form of a red cross. Rather ironic methinks.
Gasp! The Millennium Falcon is back in all its speedy glory
The resistance is still going strong, under the leadership of Princess Leia, who now goes by the name of General Organa. However, as the title suggests, no new Jedi have emerged until our two protagonists, Finn and Rey show up. Many hold the opinion that the original trio are portrayed very well in this new film, with all of them aging gracefully. They also seem eager to pass on the reins of leadership to a new generation of legends, so it’ll be worth the wait to see how that pans out.
New characters Finn (right) and Rey run from Stormtroopers
Also, everyone is going crazy about the new droid BB8, which can be seen rolling around in the dessert with Rey and making cute gurgling noises.
Will BB8 be the new fan favourite?
Before anything else, you should definitely check out the Official Star Wars Website that has a tonne of information, videos, games and more to keep you occupied until premier day. Not only are there goodies for the upcoming movie, but info on all the previous episodes, as well as several animated TV series. One of the videos you can watch is of Mark Hamill recently pranking people on Hollywood Boulevard for charity:
Closer to home in Malaysia, the Outpost Movie Recon Team (M.R.T.) has scoured the galaxy to bring you promos and other goodies related to The Force Awakens. Firstly, all the major cinema chains have opened their advanced tickets sales (online, at the tickets counters and through their apps) but you’d better hurry as all the major cinemas are selling like hot cakes. Tickets are available in standard, 3D and IMAX3D.
Golden Screen Cinemas is has a number of Star Wars merchandise up for grabs. Firstly, their latest Popcorn Combo includes a limited edition Star Wars T-shirt, 2 regular soft drinks and 1 large popcorn starting for RM30.00. There are 2 tshirt designs to choose from (see above) to prepare to guzzle down lots of popcorn with soft drink if you want to collect both. An exclusive Star Wars Collector’s package is available on available through GSC website, limited to only 400 packages for RM199 (see below). In addition to both limited edition tshirts plus movie posters, popcorn, soft drinks and movie vouchers, there is a pair of metal Light Side & Dark Side collector cards which will be personalised with your Star Wars name (well, actually any name is possible upto 16 letters).
Starting 17 December, GSC has awesome Star Wars loot up for grabs everyday day until 30 December 2015. Customers only need to post their photos on Facebook or Instagram showing their GSC movie tickets with a creative caption and hashtag #TheForceisStrongwithGSC for a chance to win a Kylo Ren FX lightsaber worth over RM1,000 and his voice changer helmet (see below). It's so good to be bad!
TGV Cinemas are having a tonne of promos related to Star Wars this month. Together with Star Wars Malaysia Fan Club, they are hosting a Christmas Cosmos from 10th to 20th December at 1 Utama Shopping Centre Court (Old Wing). Activities include Star Wars costume appearances by Star Wars Malaysian Fan Club, Lightsaber performances, collectibles display, a flea market and giveaways. Additionally, TGV is also selling Star Wars plush keychains as part of their combo, with 5 different characters available from 10th December Onwards. Additionally, TGV cinemas is holding a contest for Maybank Credit Card users who spend more than RM1000 from 1st November 2015 to 15th January 2016 with the grand prize being a Star Wars themed trip to London for two.
Also if you’re buying tickets to the opening day, 17th December 2015, know that TGV is holding screenings all the way from 12 midnight to 6am so you don’t have to wait for the daytime screenings. If you’re a cosplayer, you can show up at any of the screenings in costume to get a free cup of coffee from Wonda’s Coffee. Specifically, TGV Sunway Pyramid will be holding a small event one hour prior to each night screening where patrons can take part in costume dance offs, droid races, a Battlefront Challenge, a photo booth and consume refreshments aptly named Leia’s buns, Skywater and Han’s wrap.
Meanwhile MBO Cinemas has tied up with Funko Pop for exclusive Star Wars The Force Awakens figurines toys purchased together with their popcorn combo from now until 31st December 2015.
At Subway, get a free Star Wars keychain whenever you purchase a 6” sub and soft drink, with a new keychain each week. Collect one each week until Jan 5th 2016.
For fashionable geeks, Uniqlo line of Star Wars sweaters, T-shirts, parkas and more are now all available at reasonable prices.
A badass looking laptop that can intimidate even the most seasoned Jedi
Han Solo, Princess Leia, Darth Vader, and more could be yours in pewter.
Our very own local establishment, Royal Selangor Pewter has released their Star Wars collection, which includes figurines of Leia, Han Solo, Yoda, Darth Vader and a miniature replica of the Death Star. You could also try to win any of these for free by joining their contest.
Toys and figurines of Star Wars characters, weapons, ships and more are available from Mattel, Hot Toys, Lego and Hasbro as well as other production companies. You can catch some of these at the Star Wars: The Force Awakens event at MidValley or look for them at online toy stores nationwide.
Funko Pop figurines, the latest collectible craze sweeping across the world!
Hasbro's toy assortment of action figures, vehicles and role-play lightsabers.
Mr. Potato Head gets a makeover into Darth Tater.
LEGO's top-selling Star Wars line offering many bricks to keep hands busy.
Kids costumes of Kylo Ren and Stormtroopers.
But if you don't want to spend credits on official merchandise, online movie site KLIPS is having a special giveaway of Star Wars products including a star projector, caps and mugs all the way until the end of December 2015. All you have to do is sign up and enter their simple contest.
Toyota Malaysia is also getting in on the Star Wars hype by offering free movie passes to the Force Awakens to anyone who drops by their showroom and test drives a car. Also if you choose to purchase a Toyota, you’ll be in the running to win an exclusive trip to Pinewood Studios, London, where the movie was made.
The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra is putting up an intergalactic inspired performance called Star Wars and Beyond featuring John William’s sweeping score on 17th and 18th December 2015 in conjunction with the movie’s release.
"The X-Wing has landed!"
Mid Valley Megamall is currently hosting a Star Wars: The Force Awakens integrated Event at the South Court concourse which is going on until the 27th of December 2015 (which means it’s still on, yay!). The highlight of the event is an 80% scaled replica of the Rebel Alliances T-70 X-Wing fighter appearing in the new movie. Visitors are allowed to take a picture of themselves in the cockpit of the said replica, and enjoy other attractions like a figurine display, interactive game booth, merchandise sales and more.
Get thrills sitting in cockpit of a 80% scaled replica of the Resistance X-Wing starfighter
The highly anticipated Star Wars Battlefront video game is visually stunning
Preview of Hot Toys 1/6 scale First Order Stormtroopers
FAST surprised mall patrons with a flash mob at Midvalley
For a full-sized replica of the X-Wing, head down south into Singapore and visit Changi Airport Terminal 3. There is also a scaled down TIE Fighter in Terminal 2.
Last month, Rebel Legion Malaysia, Outpost costumers and Force Arts Stunt Team (FAST) participated in Sony’s Star Wars Saturday at the Curve to highlight the game Star Wars Battlefront for PS4, mostly spending time goofing around and having fun.
It's a great time for Star Wars cosplay with so many events
Maybank also setup an Epic Force Prank now trending worldwide at 188k views!
There are a tonne of events being organized to celebrate Star Wars episode VII, especially by the various fan clubs and associations, so keep a look out by visiting their websites or facebook pages. These Star Wars clubs to keep an eye on include:
501st Legion Malaysia Outpostis the local branch of an international fan-based organization dedicated to the construction and wearing of screen-accurate replicas of Imperial Stormtrooper armor, Sith Lords, Clone Troopers, bounty hunters, and other villains from the Star Wars universe. (Wikipedia)
Rebel Legion Malaysia Outpost is the local branch of a worldwide organization of Star Wars fans in Rebel Alliance costumes. (Wikipedia)
Star Wars Malaysia Fan Club (SWMFC) is a nonprofit organization registered with the Malaysian Registrar of Societies, and run by fans for fellow fans.
Force Arts Stunt Team (FAST) is bent on inspiring people by performing fantasy fight scenes from pop fiction culture.
Lightsaber League Malaysia (LLM) is a gathering of like minded individuals who admire the elegant weapon, from a more civilized age.
As Star Wars fans await with eager hearts and anxious heads for the new movie to be released, let us all hope that this new trilogy will be the beginning of yet another adventure that will bring us back to where it all begin and remind us why we fell in love with the series in the first place.
OUTPOST UPDATE 19 DECEMBER 2015
Thanks to our Alliance with Star Wars Malaysia Fan Club and Rebel Legion, Outpost costumers got to attend the Premiere of Star Wars The Force Awakens at GSC Pavilion KL on Wednesday 16 December 2015.
Left to Right: Han & Chewbacca, Rebels Luke & Porkins, with Padme Amidala and The Seventh Sister.
Face-Off!
2 days later, a larger contingent of costumers got together for another screening at Premium-X Cinemas at OneCity USJ. Yeah, by then it was a 2nd screening for many of us!
Thank you Premium-X for having us!
Left to Right: Mysterious Jedi, Rebel Pilot Porkins, Queen Amidala, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Jedi Luke Skywalker, Stormtrooper, Kylo Ren, Royal Guard.
May the Force be with You!
Disclaimer: Star Wars and other trademarks are copyright to Lucasfilm and/or Disney, referenced here for fan service announcements without intent to infringe.
