Star Wars: The Force Awakens world premiere in L.A. causes traffic snarls, lineups

Crews are setting up a massive tent and fans are already lining upin advance of the Star Wars world premiere in Los Angeles.

The tent spans an unprecedented four blocks along Hollywood Boulevard.Traffic has been blocked for days near the Chinese Theater, one of the city's most popular tourist destinations.

"It's like this volcano is rising up,"said Anthony Daniels,who portrays robot C-3PO in the Star Wars film series,describing the anticipation forthe film when he sat down with CBC Newsearlier this week."People just so long to see this, to see J.J. Abrams'ideas come physically to be on the screen."

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The highly anticipated Episode VII: The Force Awakens, directed byAbrams (Star Trek, Mission: Impossible III), has been kept tightly under wraps since filming began in April 2014.

Anthony Daniels, C-3PO in the Star Wars films, on why fans connect with the franchise

9 years ago

Duration 0:50

Anthony Daniels, who portrays C-3PO in the Star Wars films, talks to CBC's Eli Glasner about why the franchise endures

While the movieofficially opens Dec.18, a red carpet premierewill take place on Monday evening in Los Angeles.

Another special screening a day before the worldwide release will take place Dec. 17at the Chinese Theater, where the first Star Wars also had its premiere in 1977.

Devoted fans have camped outside the famous spot for more than a week tosnag the best seats for the Dec. 17 screening and try to catch a glimpse of the film's stars at the Dec. 14 premiere.

Jesse Brown, who is from outside Vancouver and has been living in Los Angeles for 14 years, has spent 12 days inline.

"We just want to show our appreciation and the love that we have for Star Wars," he said, sitting near fellow fans outside the theatre after taking a nap under blankets on the pavement.

"What's great about loving Star Wars is that you don't have to speak the same language. Because we love the same thing, we can communicate on the same level."

Daniels, whose familiar voice and mannerisms have been behind the beloved robot since the beginning of the franchise, said he's observed similarreactions from fans to Star Wars over the years.

"There is something absolutely visceral in many people's lives that attaches them to these films," he said."We all feel, 'This belongs to me'."