200 storm troopers to march in Rose Parade

As grand marshall, ‘Star Wars’ creator Lucas bringing a host of characters

	Darth Vader, accompanied by storm trooper characters from George Lucas' "Star Wars" movies, parades in Leicester Square in central London, on May 16, 2005. The events took place surrounding the British premiere of the film "Star Wars Episode III, Revenge of the Sith," the last in the series.
Lefteris Pitarakis / AP

Movie video

Ashley Greene on ‘New Moon’
Nov. 24: TODAY hosts talk to actress Ashley Greene about her new film, “The Twilight Saga: New Moon.”

Hollywood finds otherworldly hit in ‘Twilight’

Tim Burton on his art

Shalit reviews ‘The Blind Side’

‘New Moon’ preys on box office rivals

Slideshow

December movies
James Cameron’s spectacle “Avatar” hits theaters, along with George Clooney, who is “Up in the Air,” and Robert Downey Jr. as “Sherlock Holmes.”

more photos

updated 5:22 p.m. ET Dec. 14, 2006

PASADENA, Calif. - Not long from now, in our very own galaxy, the “Star Wars Spectacular” will bring an intergalactic spirit — and 200 storm troopers — to the 118th annual Tournament of Roses parade.

Grand Marshal George Lucas will be accompanied by two “Star Wars”-themed floats and an army of costumed storm troopers. Lucas, 62, invited the evil soldiers (costumed superfans from all over the world) to march with him during the New Year’s Day parade in Pasadena.

The storm troopers belong to a fan club called the 501st Legion, which boasts 3,000 members who appear at fundraisers and charitable events. Members create their own costumes, which can cost up to $1,000 each.

Story continues below ↓

advertisement | your ad here

Other “Star Wars” characters will ride floats in the parade. Four Ewoks will be aboard the Forest Moon of Endor float, from the “Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi” era. The Naboo: The Garden Planet float, from the recent “Star Wars” trilogy, will carry three Queens of Naboo and two Jedi protectors.