North Texas Star Wars fans flock to theaters for 'The Last Jedi'

After a long wait, Star Wars fans will finally find out what happens next in the galactic storyline.

The first showings of ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ began Thursday evening. Hundreds of fans put on their best Jedi and storm trooper outfits and headed to Alamo Drafthouse in Richardson.

Showings for Episode Eight quickly sold out at theaters all across North Texas. But the sad reality didn't keep some super fans from dressing up for a little pre-party celebration.

The festivities were complete with beloved characters from a galaxy far, far away.

Darth Vader may have taken his last breath a long time ago, but his grandson has taken the reins, squaring off with Rey, Finn and The Resistance in the latest installment of the popular saga. It's also a bittersweet night with the final performance from Carrie Fisher as the beloved General Leia.

“I am Grandpa Vader, and I'm very proud of my grandson. I think he's doing great things for the first order,” said fan Nick Word. “I think he's going to make his grandfather proud.”

At the Alamo Drafthouse in Richardson, Star Wars fans turned up and dressed up for a special pre-party before the first screening of the film. But for the super fans, Star Wars is much more than about the costumes — although that’s part of the fun.

“I want to see them really develop the universe and get into the character stories more than just the flashbang effects that they have now,” said fan Elise Langley.

But the big questions on everyone's mind?

“I just want to know Rey's backstory, obviously,” Langley said.

“Who are Rey's parents?” asked Josh Johnson.

“I'd like to know where Rey comes from, what she's all about,” Word said.

The Last Jedi is the ninth Star Wars movie since its first release in 1977. To date, the franchise has grossed more than $7.3 billion at the box office worldwide.