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The California Report

PHOTOS: Bay Area Fans Get First Look at 'Last Jedi'

Bianca Hernandez
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Jennifer Hyman and Sarah Adams were thrilled to be given a chance to attend the "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" world premiere in Los Angeles. They've spent hours making screen accurate costumes and volunteering with the Rebel Legion Endor Base costume club. (Bianca Hernandez/KQED)

The latest Star Wars film had its world premiere in a galaxy not-too far away last night (aka Los Angeles), and some Bay Area fanatics got to take part in the star-studded event.

In the fan section of the red carpet, select members of Lucasfilm-sanctioned costume groups were able to see "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" before its wide release on Dec. 15. The costume groups require members to go through a rigorous approval process to make sure their custom costumes are an exact match to the ones seen on screen.

Members often meet up for "build parties" to work on their costumes together. The groups also go to sports games, charity functions and other events in full costume.

Bay Area chapters of at least four costume groups -- the Mandalorian Mercs, the 501st Legion, the Rebel Legion and the Saber Guild -- sent a limited number of their most involved members to the premiere in L.A.

The "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" world premiere was held in Los Angeles on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017. Some lucky Bay Area fans were able to be there because of their involvement in local Star Wars costume clubs.
The "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" world premiere was held in Los Angeles on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017. Some lucky Bay Area fans were able to be there because of their involvement in local Star Wars costume clubs. (Bianca Hernandez/KQED)
Members of the Mandalorian Mercs pose for photographers in their custom-made helmets. A handful of members from the Bay Area chapter of the group -- called the Wolves of Mandalore -- attended the event.
Members of the Mandalorian Mercs pose for photographers in their custom-made helmets. A handful of members from the Bay Area chapter of the group -- called the Wolves of Mandalore -- attended the event. (Bianca Hernandez/KQED)
Members of the costume club Rebel Legion adorn their jackets with patches earned through involvement in the Star Wars fan community. Ladies of the Legions is one of many smaller unofficial communities within the larger costume groups.
Members of the costume club Rebel Legion adorn their jackets with patches earned through involvement in the Star Wars fan community. Ladies of the Legions is one of many smaller unofficial communities within the larger costume groups. (Bianca Hernandez/KQED)
Jim Eastman, the leader of the Wolves of Mandalore -- the local chapter of the Mandalorian Mercs, came down to Los Angeles from Fremont to join about 30 other members. Eastman has also attended sporting and charity events through involvement with his club.
Jim Eastman, the leader of the Wolves of Mandalore -- the local chapter of the Mandalorian Mercs, came down to Los Angeles from Fremont to join about 30 other members. Eastman has also attended sporting and charity events through involvement with his club. (Bianca Hernandez/KQED)
Pat Yulo shows off her patches, earned through participating in the Rebel Legion. She has created numerous screen-accurate costumes for herself, in addition to lending her skills to her fellow group members.
Pat Yulo shows off her patches, earned through participating in the Rebel Legion. She has created numerous screen-accurate costumes for herself, in addition to lending her skills to her fellow group members. (Bianca Hernandez/KQED)

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