The next Super Bowl is heading to a galaxy far, far away. ESPN, Lucasfilm, Disney and the NFL have announced Star Wars Funday Football, a real-time animated alternative presentation of Super Bowl LXI.

The production will run on Sunday 14 February 2027 alongside the traditional game. In the United States it will stream live on Disney+ and the ESPN App and air on Disney Channel and Disney XD. The UK is included in the markets scheduled to receive the animated presentation on demand shortly after the live telecast.

What viewers will see

Every play will be recreated in real time with animated versions of the AFC and NFC champions. Star Wars characters will appear during key moments, while Easter eggs and settings from the franchise will transform the game’s presentation.

Anthony Daniels is returning to voice C-3PO, linking the telecast directly to the original 1977 film. ESPN says further details—including commentators, characters and visual settings—will be revealed closer to the game.

How the technology works

The broadcast will use technology from Sony’s Beyond Sports, combining NFL Next Gen Stats player-tracking data with Sony Hawk-Eye optical tracking. That information lets the production translate the live action into animation with minimal delay.

This is the first animated alternative presentation of a Super Bowl, but not the first Funday Football experiment. ESPN and Disney previously produced versions based on Toy Story, The Simpsons and Monsters, Inc..

Why the timing matters

Super Bowl LXI lands during Lucasfilm’s celebration of 50 years of Star Wars. Five days later, a restored version of the original 1977 film is due back in cinemas on 19 February 2027.

That anniversary will create a busy year for collectors, from rereleases and licensed merchandise to convention displays. ASACC readers can explore our collectibles marketplace and keep an eye on the Film & TV section for further confirmed announcements.

The key dates

• 14 February 2027: Super Bowl LXI and the live US Star Wars Funday Football presentation.
• Shortly afterwards: On-demand availability is planned for the UK and other additional markets.
• 19 February 2027: the restored original Star Wars returns to cinemas.

Source: official ESPN/Lucasfilm/Disney/NFL press release.

Featured image: official Star Wars Funday Football key art © Disney/Lucasfilm/ESPN/NFL.