Anthony Daniels hosted the opening ceremony and addressed the audience with his usual stage humor. Steve Sansweet appeared during the ceremony and introduced prerecorded greetings from several Star Wars figures who were not attending in person, including George Lucas, Natalie Portman, Ewan McGregor, Pernilla August, Ian McDiarmid and Samuel L. Jackson.

Samuel L. Jackson’s message focused on Mace Windu’s purple lightsaber and his larger action role in Attack of the Clones. Jim Ward also introduced what first appeared to be a television spot for Spider-Man, using the moment to play off the upcoming box office competition between Spider-Man and Attack of the Clones. The clip turned into a surprise Attack of the Clones moment featuring Yoda with a lightsaber, drawing a loud crowd reaction.

The original Star Wars theatrical trailer was also shown, connecting the opening ceremony to the 25th anniversary theme.