It’s not every day you get to see the Force awaken. And plenty of folks in the U.K. and the U.S. are making the most of it by treating Star Wars premiere day like a regular holiday—complete with a full day off work.
https://twitter.com/Groovy_Glen/status/677276267348029440
Lucky fans in the U.K. got to flood movie theaters last night for The Force Awakens‘ British release—and took Wednesday and Thursday off work to celebrate it. The official release date in the U.S. isn’t until Friday, but many theaters are showing it as early as 7pm Thursday. (Some lucky press members saw it already—and loved it!)
If you’re one of the many fans headed to the theater tonight, then sure, you could work your regular hours beforehand. Or you could do what these fans are doing.
@thisisheart Dad, sister and I on our way to see The Force Awakens! 😄 Booked the day off work specifically, very excited! #heartshappyhour
— vee 🧡💚 wwdits s6 spoilers (@dametokillfor) December 17, 2015
My boss boss took today off to go watch the new Star Wars.
— Abe E Seedy (@Abe_E_Seedy) December 17, 2015
Influence gained
@FrankOctopus Luckily my kids have no interest in it so I could do my usual “day off work for Star Wars”
— Dave Turner (@mrdaveturner) December 17, 2015
It’s fun to see so many fans coming out of the woodwork and treating the movie like it’s Christmas come early—because in many ways, it is.
#StarWars well worth day off work. Fantastic film! #nospoilers
— peter tasker (@petertasker) December 17, 2015
So not only does @KAL79 use a week of vacation to wait inline for #starwars while @stuntbrain ordered tickets weeks ago! @DocThompsonShow
— Coach AJ (@OregonWFTfan) December 17, 2015
In the queue at @cineworld for Star Wars! Best day off work. Ever. pic.twitter.com/AxLq3Zg5L0
— Adam Pepper (@SilverscreenPri) December 17, 2015
In fact, some fans have their whole day mapped out:
Lad at my work has taken a day off work to see Star Wars 3 times is that ok ?
— Aidan (@aidanbl19) December 17, 2015
We can answer that question: It’s totally OK.
After all, for many Star Wars fans, the continuation of one of the most beloved sci-fi franchises in history is the most important event of the year. And for younger fans who’ve never had the chance to see a Star Wars movie in theaters before (and older fans who never thought they’d have this opportunity again), the excitement of getting to witness the first showing with a packed house truly is a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Just remember—while these fans are making the most of the moment, it’s OK if you can’t get the time off or don’t see the movie until after opening weekend.
The only “right” way to see Star Wars is the one that makes you happy.
Illustration by Max Fleishman