When Disney+ announced a Star Wars Holiday Special, many long-time fans had flashbacks to the atrocious 1978 original holiday special. There are similarities to the two in terms of the plot, but that’s where the similarities end. The 2020 special brings with it all of the joy and charm that is the signature of LEGO Star Wars.
The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special centers around Rey (Helen Sadler) who is training Finn (Omar Miller) in the ways of The Force. Finn isn’t responding well to her training and Rey decides that she must travel across the universe to better understand for herself. The result is that the special has a very child-friendly tone, but features some of the most iconic scenes that will have adults feeling tons of nostalgia.
The story is set after the events of Episode IX: Rise of Skywalker, but Rey winds up traveling across the galaxy and also time traveling. She crosses paths with Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, Yoda, Chewbacca, Greedo, Anakin Skywalker, Maz Kanata, Lando Calrissian and Darth Maul.
The cast only includes a few of the actors from the films. Billy Dee Williams reprises his role as Lando. Kelly Marie Tran voices Rose. Anthony Daniels plays C-3P0. The rest of the cast is a who’s who of voice talent. A.J. LoCascio voices Han Solo, who he voiced in Star Wars: Forces of Destiny. Ben Prendergrast voices General Hux, just as he did in Star Wars: Resistance. Dee Bradley Baker (Phineas and Ferb) voices several clone troopers. Grey Griffin (Avengers Assemble) plays Maz.
The show features some of the signature lines from the movies and shows. It also plays with the various family relationships that go sour over the course of the franchise. There are plenty of instances where characters backtrack on admitting their relationships. There are tons of funny visuals and jokes involving lightsabers and the Force.
The special runs 44 minutes and is currently streaming on Disney+.