Fans can unlock new ‘Star Wars’ characters

The next “Star Wars” origin story is in your hands. “Find the Force,” billed as an “unprecedented augmented reality event,” will allow fans to reveal new “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” characters from Sept. 1-3.

Disney and Lucasfilm joined forces Thursday to share the news and reveal how the new technology works: Download the latest version of the Star Wars app, then visit any one of 20,000 participating retail locations in 30 countries to find a graphic that contains the “Find the Force” logo. When you scan the graphic using the app, you will reveal a character who, through augmented reality, will appear in the room with you.

Fans are invited to share the photos and videos on social media. Fifteen new characters will be revealed during the threeday event, starting Sept. 1 — also known as Force Friday II. The event is scheduled to coincide with the worldwide launch of new products inspired by “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” which is scheduled to be in movie theaters Dec. 15.

A hint about the characters in the pop-up augmented-reality treasure hunt in the press release said it “aims to unite fans around the world in the battle against the dark side.”

“Force Friday II is a major milestone in the countdown to ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi,’” said Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm. “‘Star Wars’ has always championed new technology, and we are excited that augmented reality will allow fans to experience the universe in a whole new way.”

The latest version of the Star Wars app (2.3 or higher) became available Thursday. By sharing photos or videos on Twitter or Instagram #FindtheForce and #Sweepstakes throughout Force Friday II weekend, fans in select global markets can participate in a sweepstakes for the chance to win tickets to the “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” premiere in December, with no purchase necessary. For details and a list of participating retailers, visit www.starwars.com/findtheforce.