Every year, May 4th is a day unlike any other for millions of fans of that galaxy far, far away. The pun — May the 4th Be With You, a play on the famous line "May the Force be with you" — has become over the decades a genuine global celebration. In 2026, Star Wars Day takes on an exceptional dimension: a highly anticipated film is coming to cinemas, events are multiplying, and the saga is more alive than ever.

Where does Star Wars Day come from?

The origin of May 4th as "Star Wars Day" is often attributed to a humorous advertisement published in 1979 in a British newspaper to congratulate Margaret Thatcher on her election as Prime Minister, with the slogan "May the 4th Be With You, Maggie". Since then, the phrase has crossed the Atlantic and spread across the entire world. Lucasfilm and Disney have officially recognized this celebration over the years, making May 4th a key date for announcements, exclusive content releases, and in-store events.

In 2026, Star Wars Day falls at a particularly exciting moment: The Mandalorian and Grogu, the first Star Wars feature film in cinemas since The Rise of Skywalker (2019), opens in French cinemas on May 20th — only 16 days after this celebration. The atmosphere is electric throughout the entire community.

The Mandalorian and Grogu: Star Wars' big return to cinema

After several years of series exclusive to Disney+, the franchise returns to the big screen with an ambitious project. The Mandalorian and Grogu, directed by Jon Favreau, follows Din Djarin and little Grogu — alias Baby Yoda for the uninitiated — in a new adventure within the New Republic. Hired to rescue Rotta the Hutt, the two companions find themselves plunged into a conspiracy that exceeds their initial expectations.

The cast holds several surprises: Jeremy Allen White (star of The Bear) joins the Star Wars universe, and the film features a voice cameo by Martin Scorsese as well as the presence of Sigourney Weaver. Enough to spark curiosity well beyond the saga's usual fan base.

To mark Star Wars Day, Lucasfilm made a big move by screening 25 minutes of footage in a worldwide exclusive preview in a selection of IMAX theaters around the world on May 4th. A way to launch the festivities in grand style and warm up fans before the official release.

Disneyland Paris: an unforgettable May 4th, 2026

At Marne-la-Vallée, Disneyland Paris pulled out all the stops for the 2026 edition. Star Wars Day celebrations run until May 24th, right in the wake of the film's theatrical release. On this very May 4th, fans can witness an extremely rare moment: Darth Vader will appear on the roof of Starport to review a battalion of Stormtroopers during an impressive Imperial March.

• Galactic shows throughout the park's Star Wars area
• Limited-edition character meet-and-greets
• Exclusive merchandise available only during the period
• Screenings and previews in partnership with Lucasfilm

For fans in the Paris region, this is clearly the place to be on May 4th.

Other events marking this Star Wars Day

The celebration is not limited to theme parks. On Disney+, the season of the animated series Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord concludes precisely on May 4th with a highly anticipated finale, giving subscribers a great way to mark the occasion from home.

On the food front, Burger King has launched limited-edition menus inspired by The Mandalorian and Grogu, available throughout the month of May. And for collectors, the day marks the launch of numerous new figurines, Starbucks x Star Wars mugs, and other merchandise available at the Disney Store.

On social media, the hashtag #MayThe4thBeWithYou has been trending worldwide since the start of the day, with posts from celebrities, institutions, and millions of fans. Former U.S. President Barack Obama posted a video alongside actor Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), for a guaranteed dose of nostalgia and good cheer.

Why 2026 is a key year for Star Wars

Beyond Star Wars Day itself, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the franchise. After a period of creative experimentation, Lucasfilm appears to have found a new clear direction: return to cinemas with carefully prepared projects, while continuing to feed the Disney+ platform. The Mandalorian and Grogu will be the first real-world test of this strategy.

Other projects have been announced for the coming years, including a film centered on the Jedi Knights of the High Republic Era. George Lucas's saga, born in 1977, clearly still has many stories left to tell.

"May the Force be with you" — and if this May 4th it is above all the magic of cinema and storytelling that continues to unite us, distant galaxy or not.

How to celebrate Star Wars Day from home?

No need to travel to Disneyland Paris to honor the holiday. Here are a few simple ideas:

• Revisit the original trilogy (episodes IV, V, VI) in release order
• Watch the finale of Maul: Shadow Lord on Disney+
• Play Star Wars Outlaws or Jedi: Survivor, two highly acclaimed recent games
• Prepare a themed meal inspired by Star Wars recipes available online
• Book your tickets for The Mandalorian and Grogu, opening May 20th in France!

Whatever way you choose to celebrate, May the 4th Be With You — and may the Force be with you on this May 4th, 2026!