By EMILY ENFINGER | Selma Times-Journal

Moviegoers flocked to the Walton Theater Thursday evening to catch the first showing of the latest addition of the Star Wars franchise, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

“This is a very good first opening for us. We are really excited and have a lot of people come in … they are yet coming in the door,” said the Rev. John Grayson, who manages the theater.

Grayson said the Walton has received a lot of phone calls and messages on Facebook above the movie’s opening.

The start time of the movie was pushed back a few minutes to accommodate the crowd and a ticket line extending from the concession stand through the front entrance.

While people waited on tickets and to be seated, they were able to have their photo taken with Darth Vader.

Star Wars fan Jeremiah Prestridge said he avoided watching the trailer so he wasn’t sure what to expect. He said he was excited regardless because it’s been 10 years since the last Star Wars film was released.

“Hopefully, it lives up to expectations, cause it’s got a lot to live up to,” Prestridge said.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has received 8.2 out of 10 rating from 242 ratings according to rottentomatoes.com.

The movie will be shown Friday at 5 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.; Saturday at noon, 2:45 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 8:15 p.m.; and Sunday at 4:30 p.m.

For more information about the Walton Theater, including showtimes and tickets, visit www.waltontheaterselma.org.