Fans pack theaters for 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' premiere

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The new Star Wars film opened on Thursday, Dec. 19. "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" is the ninth and final entry in the Star Wars saga.

Analysts estimate the epic could bring in $450 million globally in just its opening weekend.

Fans showed up decked out in Star Wars gear to shows around the Milwaukee area.

The Majestic Theater in Brookfield had to keep adding more showings of the film to keep up with demand. Fans also had a number of Star Wars-themed food and drinks, including popcorn, a drink holder and Nerd ropes.

The first showing started at 5 and was sold out. Everyone in that premiere received an opening night commemorative pin. 

Fans were more than welcome to show up in costume for the end of an era.

"This is great, I've been watching these movies for many, many years, so I'm excited to see the final chapter of the series," said Star Wars fan Greg Fliearman. "It's going to be great. I've been waiting since the first movie in the 70's."

The theater's operations manager said it was all hands on deck, and the staff was just as excited as the customers.

"We as a team get ready by prepping ourselves for high volume," said operations manager Shawn Mellon. "They're dealing with just more people, more soda, more popcorn, more food and beverage at multiple of our venues."

"Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" was scheduled to play nearly 200 times Thursday night at 11 Marcus theaters in the Milwaukee area.