Forget sneaker drops — because this summer, the most ‘refreshing’ limited-edition flex might just be a can (or bottle) of Coke as the iconic soda has teamed up with Star Wars for their new “Refresh Your Galaxy” campaign. Could it be the most epic collab since Han Solo teamed up with Luke Skywalker to blow up the Death Star? Read on.
The campaign is more than just another cool promo — it’s storytelling that’ll have Star Wars fans literally thirsting to check out all 30 collectible designs featuring fan-favorite characters. It’s nostalgia you can sip, scan, collect, and send off across the galaxy, unlocking an innovative AR experience where fans can transform themselves into their own Princess Leia-inspired hologram… straight from their cell phones.
ANAHEIM, CA: (L-R) Becca Vodnoy and Islam ElDessouky attend the Coca-Cola x Star Wars Refresh Your Galaxy launch reveal event held at Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland. Photo courtesy of Coca-Cola.
Drink It, Scan It, Jedi Your Vibe
Or, of course, you could go full-on Dark Side vibe as well. We won’t judge. Go old school with Yoda and Darth Vader, or be in the now and the new with modern warriors like The Mandalorian and Ahsoka Tano. Blast some positive vibes, drop some Jedi-level wisdom, give a shoutout to Obi-Wan Kenobi through this augmented reality hologram that feels like you’ve left fandom and are right in the Star Wars universe. Kind of like the immersive experience you find yourself in when visiting Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland, which is also where the launch reveal event was held.
ANAHEIM, CA: A guest attends the Coca-Cola x Star Wars Refresh Your Galaxy launch reveal event held at Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland, along with R2-D2 and Chewbacca. Photo courtesy of Coca-Cola.
Star-Studded Launch Reveal Party = Star Wars Magic
Naturally, it was a star-studded affair to kick off the Coca-Cola Star Wars celebration. And some of the biggest stars in the galaxy flew in to make a special appearance and toast the new collab and special event, toasting with sips of Coca-Cola, of course.
ANAHEIM, CA: Lauren Goldenberg attends the Coca-Cola x Star Wars Refresh Your Galaxy launch reveal event held at Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland.
R2-D2 and Chewbacca were spotted snapping selfies with guests while others checked out the Cosplay station to dress up like their favorite characters.
ANAHEIM, CA: The Coca-Cola x Star Wars Refresh Your Galaxy launch reveal event was held at Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland. Photo courtesy: Coca-Cola
Islam ElDessouky, Global Vice President, Creative Strategy & Content at Coca-Cola, Chase Abraham, Senior Director of Global Creative Strategy at Coca-Cola, and Becca Vodnoy, SVP of Corporate Alliances at Disney, were also on hand to chat and introduce the new campaign.
For generations, Coca-Cola and Disney have shared a commitment to creating moments of joy and human connection,” said ElDessouky. “This collaboration is about more than just bringing together two iconic brands – it’s about celebrating the power of Star Wars fandom, shared passions, and the strength of community when we lift each other up.”
ANAHEIM, CA: The Coca-Cola x Star Wars Refresh Your Galaxy launch reveal event was held at Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland. Photo courtesy: Coca-Cola
Star Wars stands for hope, stands for also connection, stands for making people believe and get uplifted,” he added. “We decided to go for it, and the rest is history, the rest is what you see today.”
ANAHEIM, CA: The Coca-Cola x Star Wars Refresh Your Galaxy launch reveal event held at Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland. Photo courtesy: Coca-Cola
Of course, what we saw at the launch reveal is going to thrill all Star Wars fans, from those who have been there since the original in 1977 to little kids today watching today. And that is part of the magic that the new collab with Coca-Cola will bring: finding yet another way to enjoy the George Lucas-created universe and just immerse yourself completely in it.
It was really built out of being inspired by the characters and the story here at the parks,” added Vodnoy. “And when we went back, it was like okay, well let’s tell a story, it has to be for the fans, it has to be original for them.”
Coca-Cola x Disneyland Partnership Turns 70
The partnership between Coca‑Cola and Disneyland dates back to the very beginning — July 17, 1955, when Disneyland first opened its gates. Coca‑Cola was one of the original corporate sponsors. And the original Main Street Refreshment Corner? Still there. Still iconic. Still a hotspot for Instagrammers (okay, that part’s new for this century, but families did take photos there for seven decades now).
ANAHEIM, CA: Coca-Cola x Star Wars Refresh Your Galaxy launch reveal event held at Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland. Photo courtesy: Coca-Cola
New Short Star Wars Film Unveiled
Who doesn’t love a new Star Wars flick? At the launch event, Coca‑Cola also unveiled a supercool short film set in a movie theater — celebrating the very place where Star Wars fandom first took root… and where the soft drink has also always been part of the experience.
The spot quickly racked up millions of views and is full of obvious references, but especially fun easter eggs that superfans will enjoy. This isn’t by accident.
Only the most dedicated Star Wars fans were brought on to be involved in this project. Onstage, ElDessouky shared that potential team members were given a 10-question quiz before onboarding the project… You had to get at least seven of the answers right. And the questions weren’t easy if you’re just a casual fan who’s watched the films once or twice.
It’s another way that the team worked to ensure that they were putting out a fun campaign to reward fans.
ANAHEIM, CA: The Coca-Cola x Star Wars Refresh Your Galaxy launch reveal event held at Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland. Photo courtesy: Coca-Cola
May The Info Be With You: All The Major Deets to Know About the Coca-Cola Star Wars Collab
Set to launch globally in July, the “Refresh Your Galaxy” campaign blasts off across North America, Europe, Japan, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific, with select designs only available at Disneyland in California, Walt Disney World in Florida, and Tokyo Disney Resort.
ANAHEIM, CA: Guests attend the Coca-Cola x Star Wars Refresh Your Galaxy launch reveal event held at Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland. Photo courtesy: Coca-Cola
The campaign will feature a variety of the most beloved Star Wars characters for fans to collect, including:
- Original Taste: Lando Calrissian, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Queen Amidala, Kylo Ren, Ahsoka Tano, Darth Maul, K-2SO, Boba Fett, Poe Dameron, The Mandalorian, Cassian Andor, General Grievous, and Emperor Palpatine
- Zero Sugar: Darth Vader, Yoda, Princess Leia, Anakin Skywalker, Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca, Han Solo, BB-8, C-3PO, R2-D2, Finn, Rey, Grogu, and an Imperial Stormtrooper
- There will also be character designs available only at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, and Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California: The Mandalorian and Grogu; First Order Stormtrooper; and Chewbacca. The Mandalorian and Grogu design will also be available at Tokyo Disney Resort vending machines.
Drink up, friends.
