As theaters sell out in the United States, 10,000 troops deployed in the Middle East will get the chance to view Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker for free.
The new film has been shipped to Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates, and undisclosed locations in Southwest Asia for deployed troops to enjoy while they keep America safe over the holidays, according to the Military Times.
The Army & Air Force Exchange Service has had a partnership with the Walt Disney Studios since 2012. Service members will be able to catch the film starting on Dec. 18, two days before the U.S. release date of Dec. 20.
“Bringing a blockbuster movie like Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker to deployed troops during the holidays is a big morale boost,” said Army & Air Force Exchange Service Director and CEO Tom Shull.
The Walt Disney Studios’ Executive Vice President and General Sales Manager for North American Sales and Distribution Ken Caldwell added, “This is our way of thanking our troops for their service.”
Walt Disney Studios obtained the Star Wars franchise in 2012 after acquiring Lucasfilms for $4.05 billion. The Rise of Skywalker is expected to rake in a lot of cash over the holiday season. The last film, Solo: A Star Wars Story, brought in $84 million in its opening weekend in 2018, while The Last Jedi brought in $220 million in its 2017 opening weekend.
