THE release of the new Star Wars movie marks a “huge day” for the British film industry and “shows the force is with us”, George Osborne has claimed.
Speaking in Downing Street, Mr Osborne said the production of the new Star Wars films in the UK was good for British jobs and culture.
He told Sky News: “I think this is a huge day, not just for Star Wars fans, but actually for the British film industry. “We fought very hard as a government to get Star Wars made in ?Britain because we knew it would bring jobs and investment, it would mean that we had great opportunities for British actors.
“So it’s a great day for film-making in this country and it clearly shows the force is with us.”
He added: “For my generation, we grew up with the Star Wars movies and to have a whole new set of Star Wars movies made here in Britain with British actors, in British studios, creating British jobs is a really big thing for this country. It is a boost for our economy, it is a boost for our culture and our film industry.”
Meanwhile, director JJ Abrams said it is an “enormous relief” that fans are finally going to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Abrams, who directed, wrote and co-produced the film, was talking on the red carpet at the European premiere of the movie in London’s Leicester Square. He told red carpet presenter Jim Chapman it was an “incredible honour to be here with this remarkable reception”.
Actor Harrison Ford, who reprises his role as intrepid traveller and smugger Han Solo, said “it feels good” to play the character again.
When asked if he had a message for fans, he said: “I hope they enjoy the movie. I think it’s a worthy effort. I’m very proud of it, thank you.”
Newcomer Daisy Ridley, who plays Ren, shouted out to her fans on the red carpet, saying: “May the force be with all of you.”
She said being at the premiere was “particularly special because I’m from London, it’s good to be home”.
A group of stormtroopers from the First Order opened the red carpet.
The first “stars” of the film to arrive were droids R2-D2 and C-3PO, who ambled down the red carpet taking in the scenery.
The newest droid in the Star Wars family, BB-8, got a cheer from fans as it rolled down the red carpet.
BB-8 is one of the highlights of the new movie and is sure to gain a legion of fans.
Actor Warwick Davis, who starred in a few of the earlier Star Wars films and the latest one, could not resist posing for a selfie with BB-8 on the red carpet.
