'Star Wars' marathon: All 9 movies coming to 13 theaters nationwide May 4th. Here's where

C. A. Bridges and Chad Murphy, Akron Beacon Journal
Updated ·4 min read

UPDATE: The Skywalker Saga Marathon will only appear in 13 theaters nationwide. See below for more details.

May the fourth be with you. In honor of this year's "Star Wars Day" celebration on May 4, Jedis and Sith Lords alike can spend most of a day in a theater watching the entire epic saga in a row on the big screen, as intended.

LucasFilm announced the Skywalker Saga Marathon Thursday on its website. "This will be a Stars Wars Day long remembered," it began.

While "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace," celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, will be widely released, some locations are reporting that the 24-hour Skywalker Saga Marathon will only be available in 13 theaters nationwide.

"The Majestic is one of only 13 locations across the nation hosting this spectacular event," said the Marcus Theaters, "and the only one in Wisconsin."

Along with the mindblowing daylong spectacle of empires, Jedis, princesses, lightsabers, space battles, beeping droids and the eternal struggle of good vs. evil, the marathon also will include an exclusive look at "The Acolyte," a new Disney+ series set during the High Republic era, the release said. Anyone attending the marathon will receive a special limited edition poster.

"We would be honored if you would join us for this rare opportunity to see Star Wars as it was intended: on the big screen!" the release said.

Here's what you need to know.

What is the Skywalker Saga Marathon?

All nine episodic "Star Wars" movies shown in a row, along with an exclusive look at the 8-episode Disney+ show "The Acolyte," coming June 4.

Which Star Wars movies will be shown? In what order?

The movies will be shown in chronological order, so:

"Solo: A Star Wars Story" and "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" will not be included.

When do tickets go on sale?

Tickets go on sale at some theaters 12 p.m. EDT, Friday, March 22, 2024.

Where is the 'Skywalker Saga Marathon' being shown?

So far some of the theaters advertising the event are:

Prices range from $45 to well over a hundred dollars, depending on what other services, photo ops, costume parties, and food deals each theater is providing.

Fortunately, all the movies are still available on Disney+ with a subscription, so there's nothing stopping you from hosting your own massive marathon.

How long does it take to watch all 9 'Star Wars' movies?

Strap in and get the big bucket of popcorn. Watching all nine episodic "Star Wars" movies straight through would take you approximately 20 hours and 22 minutes, according to movie ticket site Fandango.

Why May 4? What is Star Wars Day?

Fans celebrate Star Wars Day on May the 4th because it sounds close to the classic phrase, "May the force be with you" from the very first movie, "Star Wars: A New Hope."

One of the first appearances was in a London newspaper when it congratulated Britain’s new prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, on her first day of office. The full-page ad read "May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations!"

May the 4th be with you: How today came to be 'Star Wars Day'

Over the years the catchy (and later, highly hashtaggable) phrase caught on and fans began devoting the day to Star Wars-related celebrations. LucasFilms has often timed "Star Wars" releases, announcements and events for May 4.

Jonathan Limehouse, Francisco Guzman, USA TODAY contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: 'Star Wars' 'Skywalker Saga' movie marathon coming to theaters May 4