Fandom can be exhausting. It’s an unfortunate byproduct of loving something so much–the passion that comes with that love can be both positive and toxic. The Star Wars fandom knows this quandary well; it’s full of some of the most loving, caring fans in the world, but the internet can be vile. That love can be on the attack on a near-constant basis. It can make you question this thing you thought you loved, and make you wonder if it’s even worth it.
But then something like this video comes along and you remember that Star Wars is a space fantasy about self-discovery, finding your place in the galaxy, and conquering your greatest fears. It’s a sandbox for escapism and imagination. It’s a place where you too can be Luke Skywalker. Or Han Solo. Or, if you’re part of this new generation, Rey from Nowhere.
this is what @starwars fandom is all about. #TROSiscoming pic.twitter.com/s7a0I18HlP
— elle (@reysidaisy) August 18, 2019
The video has gone viral from a number of accounts and shows a little girl at the Star Wars Launch Bay in Orlando’s Walt Disney World. She’s dressed as Rey and greets each passing character with the Force. She encounters a number of familiar bad guys: Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Darth Maul, Captain Phasma–all of whom merely give her a look and move on. But at the end of the line is Chewbacca and Rey, who greet her with affection; they even bend down to give her a hug.
According to responses on Twitter, the little girl is named Bowie and to make matters even more amazing, her birthday is May 4. As in, May the Fourth. The Force is strong with this one!
No joke her birthday is May 4th also. She’s too cool for this galaxy!
— Moe Foster Hicks (@rubysoho519) August 21, 2019
Videos like this remind us what Star Wars still means to children, and how the galaxy’s heroes continue to inspire. It’s a good thing for any Star Wars fans–even the disillusioned ones–to see and take in. The fandom is as strong and as important as ever.
Header Image Credit: Disney/Lucasfilm
