ANAHEIM, Calif. – Legendary "Star Wars" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark" composer John Williams had an unexpected guest at his 90th birthday celebration on Thursday – his musical muse Harrison Ford.
Ford, who has starred as Han Solo and Indiana Jones, stepped on the stage during Williams' showcase at Star Wars Celebration, the first gathering of the sci-fi franchise's fans in Anaheim in three years.
Williams had just finished conducting the theme to "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and revealed the theme to the Ewan McGregor's new Disney+ series "Obi-Wan Kenobi" with a full orchestra when Ford appeared to the composer's surprise, turning the event into a full-on birthday party.
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"It’s a special honor for me to congratulate John on his 90th birthday," an emotional Ford said, his voice cracking. "I told John on another occasion that the music follows me everywhere I go. And I'm happy about that."
Speaking of Williams' iconic "Indiana Jones" theme, Ford said with a smile, "That music on was on the speakers in the operating room when I had my last colonoscopy. I passed."
Ford went on to call Williams, who has won five Oscars and 25 Grammys, "the most gracious man, a wonderful man and a wonderful talent." Williams is composing the score for director James Mangold's "Indiana Jones 5," Ford revealed, saying the film is "almost completed."
Ford announced the release date as June 30, 2023. 'I am really proud of the movie that we made, so I’ll be seeing you around campus," he said.
As Williams waved from the stage, the Star Wars Celebration crowd ended the program singing "Happy Birthday."
In other news from Star Wars Celebration:
Jude Law to star in 'Star Wars: Skeleton Crew' series
Jude Law, 49, will star in "Star Wars: Skeleton Crew," created by "Spider-Man" trilogy director Jon Watts and writer Christopher Ford. Watts said the story will follow four kids who accidentally get lost in the "Star Wars" galaxy.
Watts advised that even if the show is about kids, "it’s not a kids show." The show will premiere "next year," he said.
Law stars as Dumbledore in the "Fantastic Beasts" franchise.
First trailer released for Disney+ 'Willow' series
Warwick Davis, star of the 1988 fantasy "Willow" movie, and the film's director Ron Howard, showed off the first "Willow" teaser trailer for the new TV series.
With Davis playing magical Willow Ufgood in the 1988 film produced by George Lucas, which developed a passionate cult despite mixed reviews and lower-than-expected box office.
"Thirty-five years since the original movie, it’s a dream, and it’s come true," said Davis, 52. "Making the original movies was one of the best experiences of my life and I was in 'Star Wars.' "
The series will premiere Nov. 30 on Disney+.
New 'Andor' series gets trailer, Diego Luna does not fear death
Diego Luna introduced the teaser trailer for "Andor," a new series following his rebel character Cassian Andor before Andor's heroic death in 2016's "Rogue One."
The series will begin Aug. 31 on Disney+.
Series creator Tony Gilroy said the series will rewind five years from "Rogue One" and show Andor's transition from selfish man to doomed rebel. A second series will begin shooting in November, which will follow events directly leading to "Rogue One.
"The final scene will walk you right into 'Rogue One,' " said Gilroy.
Luna was thrilled with the new series, especially knowing his character will survive to appear in "Rogue One."
"I’m so excited to know I’ll be shooting a lot more," he said. "And the beauty of this show: There’s no way they will kill me."
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