‘Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker’ Invites Fans To Design A Droid — And Make A Difference

Anyone who’s ever watched one of the myriad “Star Wars” films and thought about designing his or her own droid can now put those thoughts into action courtesy of the “Build My Droid” Contest, a new initiative launched by Star Wars: Force for Change and FIRST as a way to “inspire the next generation of heroes and innovators in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) and creative arts.”

In a new video released Tuesday (above), “Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker” stars John Boyega, Daisy Ridley and Oscar Isaac invite fans aged 16 an up to design a droid, which could be included in a future story set within the “Star Wars” galaxy. The winning designer will be invited to the “Rise of Skywalker” world premiere in December, where the victorious droid will be debuted on the red carpet.

“The ingenuity and creativity of ‘Star Wars’ fans has always amazed me,” said Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy in a statement. “When FIRST teamed up with Force for Change, we saw a great opportunity to both highlight their incredible talent and reaffirm the importance of STEM programs. I can’t wait to see what designs they come up with.”

The droids will be judged by a panel of experts, including “Star Wars” creature and special make-up effects supervisor Neal Scanlan, Lucasfilm vice president, creative producer John Swartz, Lucasfilm senior creative executive Pablo Hidalgo, celebrity “Star Wars” fan and STEM advocate Mayim Bialik (of “Big Bang Theory” fame), and inventor Dean Kamen, founder of FIRST.

The contest launches Oct. 22, 2019, and contestants must submit their droid design in the form of a sketch, drawing, or painting at starwars.com/buildmydroidcontest by Nov. 13, 2019. Eligible countries include United States and Canada (excluding Quebec), Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales Only), France, Spain, Belgium, Japan and Mexico.

According to its official website, Star Wars: Force for Change “harnesses the power of ‘Star Wars’ to embolden and motivate the next generation of heroes and innovators, while also empowering the ‘Star Wars’ fan community to use their fandom for good.

FIRST “inspires innovation and leadership through engaging, hands-on robotics challenges developed to ignite curiosity and passion in students in grade K-12. The support of FIRST is part of The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to provide inspiration and opportunity to the next generation of innovators. Learn more at firstinspires.org/firstrise.”