Scenes from Star Wars Celebration
Fans dressed in costume attend the opening day of the 25th Star Wars Convention on April 16, 2015 in Anaheim, California, where some 100,000 people were expected for the four-day convention.
Hype surrounding the eagerly-anticipated "Star Wars" reboot, "The Force Awakens," made the jump to light speed as the movie's makers unveiled a new trailer that delighted fans with a glimpse of iconic characters Han Solo and Chewbacca.
Camo Troopers
Fans dressed as Star Wars characters attend the opening day of the 25th Star Wars Convention on April 16, 2015 in Anaheim, California.
He Survived The Freezing Process
A fan dressed as Han Solo frozen in carbonite poses for a photo during the opening day of the 25th Star Wars Convention on April 16, 2015 in Anaheim, California.
Lines, Lines, Lines
Fans dressed in costumes attend the opening day of the 25th Star Wars Convention on April 16, 2015 in Anaheim, California.
Smile!
Avery (left), who likes both "Star Wars" and "Ghostbusters," was attending his third Celebration with his little brother-Ewok.
Tattoo-ine
A Star Wars fan shows her tattoo while attending the opening day of the 25th Star Wars Convention on April 16, 2015 in Anaheim, California.
Passing Through The Magnetic Field
Fans dressed in "Star Wars" costumes attend Disney's Star Wars Celebration 2015 at the Anaheim Convention Center on April 16, 2015 in Anaheim, California.
The Star Wars Celebration runs through April 19.
Desert Denizen
Fans dressed as Star Wars characters attend the opening day of the 25th Star Wars Convention on April 16, 2015 in Anaheim, California.
We Don't Want Their Scum
Fans dressed as bounty hunters attend Disney's Star Wars Celebration 2015 at the Anaheim Convention Center on April 16, 2015 in Anaheim, California.
New Bot On The Block
R2-D2 (left) and BB-8 attend Star Wars Celebration 2015 on April 16, 2015 in Anaheim, California.
"The Force Awakens" Cast
Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley and Oscar Isaac attend Star Wars Celebration 2015 on April 16, 2015 in Anaheim, California.
Poe and BB-8
Actor Oscar Isaac ("Poe Dameron") poses with BB-8 at Star Wars Celebration 2015 on April 16, 2015 in Anaheim, California.
Finn
Actor John Boyega ("Finn") attends Star Wars Celebration 2015 on April 16, 2015 in Anaheim, California.
Stormtroopers
Stormtroopers with newly-designed armor from the newest "Star Wars" adventure, "The Force Awakens," appear on stage during the kick-off event of Disney's Star Wars Celebration 2015 at the Anaheim Convention Center April 16, 2015.
Luke and Leia
Actors Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher (introduced as "princess, diplomat, and freedom fighter" for the Resistance), speak onstage during Star Wars Celebration 2015 on April 16, 2015 in Anaheim, California.
Leia and C-3PO
Actors Carrie Fisher and Anthony Daniels speak onstage during Star Wars Celebration 2015 on April 16, 2015 in Anaheim, California.
Chewie
Actor Peter Mayhew ("Chewbacca") arrives on stage with a light saber cane during Star Wars Celebration 2015 on April 16, 2015 in Anaheim, California.
Two years ago TSA almost prevented the 7-foot-three actor from bringing his light saber cane on board a Denver flight, prompting a Twitter cavalcade that proved an unmatchable force.
Luke
"Thank you," Mark Hamill told the assembled, and those watching via live stream. "If it weren't for the UPFs - ultra-passionate fans - we wouldn't be here. All my adult life, I've felt such love from you. You’re more than just fans, you're family."
Hello, R2
Actor Anthony Daniels and director J.J. Abrams, joine dby R2-D2, speak onstage during Star Wars Celebration 2015 on April 16, 2015 in Anaheim, California.
Panel
From left: Actors Oscar Isaac, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, director J.J. Abrams and producer Kathleen Kennedy speak onstage during Star Wars Celebration 2015 on April 16, 2015 in Anaheim, California.
Ridley talked about her character, Rey, a self-sufficient scavenger on the desert planet Jakku, who meets Finn (Boyega). "And their adventure begins."
Panel
Oscar Isaac described his character, Poe Dameron, as "the best freakin' pilot in the galaxy," who is sent on a mission "by a certain princess."
J.J. Abrams
Director J.J. Abrams talked about the "retro" look of the new "Star Wars" films, harking back to the original trilogy (as opposed to the heavily CGI'd prequels), with as many practical effects and real sets as possible.
When asked if he were worried that the new "Star Wars" film might disappoint hard-core fans, Abrams said, "The reality is, I've never had more fun in my life working on anything, and the opportunity far outweighs the risks."
"Chewie, We're Home"
Harrison Ford could not attend Star Wars Celebration, as he is still recuperating after the Ryan ST3KR he was piloting crash landed outside Santa Monica Municipal Airport on March 5.
"He sends his best and he's doing great and working hard," J.J. Abrams told the crowd. "I’ve never had more respect for a guy than to see how he landed that plane. He's more of a hero with that move than he is in any of the movies he's been in."
Fans did get a glimpse of Ford as Han Solo (left), when a new teaser trailer was debuted at the convention, to rapturous applause.
Star Destroyer Wreck
The wreckage of an long-ago outer space battle on the Jakku landscape, from the teaser trailer of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," which debuted at Star Wars Celebration on Thursday, April 16, 2015.
The movie opens on December 18.
Group Photo
"Star Wars" fans attend Star Wars Celebration 2015 on April 16, 2015 in Anaheim, California.
For more info:
Star Wars Celebration (April 16-19), Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, Calif.
Complete CBSNews.com coverage of "Star Wars"
By CBSNews.com senior producer David Morgan