J.J. Abrams poses for photographers upon arrival at the European premiere of the film Star Wars: The Force Awakens in London. Photo / AP
J.J. Abrams poses for photographers upon arrival at the European premiere of the film Star Wars: The Force Awakens in London. Photo / AP
Director JJ Abrams said it is an "enormous relief" that fans are finally going to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Abrams, who directed, wrote and co-produced the film, was talking on the red carpet at the European premiere of the movie in London's Leicester Square on Thursday evening -the same night the film premiered in New Zealand.
He told red carpet presenter Jim Chapman it was an "incredible honour to be here with this remarkable reception".
Actor Harrison Ford, who reprises his role as intrepid traveller and smugger Han Solo, said "it feels good" to play the character again.
When asked if he had a message for fans, he said: "I hope they enjoy the movie. I think it's a worthy effort. I'm very proud of it, thank you."
Star Wars creator George Lucas said being at the European premiere was like coming home.
Lucas, who created the franchise in 1977, told red carpet host Alex Zane: "All of the premieres have always been in London. It's like coming home to an event we've done for the last 40 years but this was the biggest by far."
Newcomer Daisy Ridley, who plays Ren, shouted out to her fans on the red carpet, saying: "May the force be with all of you."
She said being at the premiere was "particularly special because I'm from London, it's good to be home".
A group of stormtroopers from the First Order opened the red carpet.
The first "stars" of the film to arrive were droids R2-D2 and C-3PO, who ambled down the red carpet taking in the scenery.
The newest droid in the Star Wars family, BB-8, got a cheer from fans as it rolled down the red carpet.
BB-8 is one of the highlights of the new movie and is sure to gain a legion of fans.
Actor Warwick Davis, who starred in a few of the earlier Star Wars films and the latest one, could not resist posing for a selfie with BB-8 on the red carpet.
Actor Peter Mayhew, who plays Han Solo's sidekick, Chewbacca, said being at the premiere was "absolutely wonderful", adding: "We've had a great weekend, we were in Los Angeles last night and we're here in London tonight, what more could anybody ask for?"
Lupita Nyong'o, from left, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, J.J. Abrams, Carrie Fischer, Adam Driver and Harrison Ford. Photo / AP
American actress Carrie Fisher, who reprises her role as Princess Leia, brought along her French bulldog, Gary.
Asked how she felt about being at the premiere, she said: "I've never felt more relaxed in my life. I feel relaxed, as I said, and I come here to just be myself and feel real."
Mark Hamill, who plays Luke Skywalker, said he was overwhelmed.
"It never gets old, it's hard to believe the excitement after all of these years."
He also said he had a "very special affinity" for London, revealing his son was born here while he filmed The Empire Strikes Back.
British actor John Boyega, who plays Finn in the new movie, could not contain his excitement at being in London.
"I'm a boy from Peckham and I'm in a Star Wars movie," he enthused to Chapman, adding: "I'm here to celebrate, dammit."
He joined a bunch of his friends for a momentary celebration of whoops and returned to Chapman, saying: "I'm in my home town, the place where I was born, London!"
The seventh instalment in the Star Wars series comes 10 years after the last one.
