Journalists and others at the screening who shared their initial reactions online said The Last Jedi packed the adventure expected in a Star Wars film, but took it into new territory.

J.J. Abrams, who directed 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens and will return to direct Episode IX, said that the film was "great" and that "Rian killed it".

Logan director James Mangold also praised the film's director, calling the movie "a great chapter of a blockbuster franchise", that also had Johnson's "voice shining through".

Producer Adam F. Goldberg wrote that the film made him feel like a kid again.

Many who made online posts about the premiere said they were still processing the film.

Fans at the premiere were also treated to up-close looks at new characters, including an elite squad of guards clad in red armor as well as a collection of droids, including the droids C-3PO, R2-D2, and BB-8, who walked and rolled down the red carpet before the film's stars arrived.

"It's a Star Wars movie, and the energy tonight is pretty amazing," says a beaming Andy Serkis, who plays the villain Supreme Leader Snoke.

Ridley, who plays Rey, arrived wearing a shimmering dress adorned with stars. Ridley was in good spirits, saying about her dress, "I mean, it's just fun. It's fun. And I feel fun. And it's got stars on it."

Associated Press