Force Friday: New Star Wars Toys Debut

By JOE VINCE (Patch Staff)

Even though Star Wars: The Force Awakens—the latest installment in the George Lucas-spawned movie series—doesn’t open until Dec. 18, it’s not too early to build buzz by selling the public toys.

That’s the idea behind Force Friday, the Sep. 4 release of action figures, play sets and other merchandise connected with the seventh film in the franchise. Retailers around the Bay Area and the world are preparing for customers looking for a Lego version of Poe Dameron’s next-gen X-Wing fighter, an iPhone-controlled BB-8 droid or a Kylo Ren red lightsaber (complete with its controversial crossguard blades).

Give Disney credit for its sense of irony. Force Friday—a day that’s sure to have retailers overworking their employees to handle the influx of crowds—is scheduled on the cusp of Labor Day, a holiday dedicated to celebrating the achievements of the U.S. labor movement has made to get fair wages, safe conditions and decent hours for workers.

YOUR TURN: Will you be waking up early for Force Friday to buy the new Star Wars toys? Are you going for your kids? Yourself? A “friend?” What items are you most interested in trying to find? Or are you already of sick of the hype for Star Wars: The Force Awakens? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section.