Convention - SDCC 2025 : The Coca-Cola x Star Wars Holocreator Experience Takes Fans to a Galaxy Far, Far Away

By Mulder, San Diego, 333 First Ave, 27 july 2025

In a year where immersive fan experiences took center stage at San Diego Comic-Con, the Coca-Cola x Star Wars Holocreator activation emerged as a standout—offering fans not just a glimpse, but a full-on teleportation into the Star Wars universe. Located just steps away from the bustling San Diego Convention Center, at 333 First Ave, this offsite activation transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary. Developed in collaboration with Fandom—the world’s largest fan platform—Coca-Cola created a high-concept interactive zone as part of its ambitious “Coca-Cola x Star Wars: Refresh Your Galaxy” campaign. The HOLOCREATOR was more than a tech gimmick; it was a full-blown, personalized Star Wars moment that allowed attendees to record holographic messages reminiscent of Princess Leia’s iconic transmission, set against AR backdrops that looked straight out of a Lucasfilm storyboard.

What made this activation truly impressive wasn’t just the slick technology, but how thoughtfully it married branding with fandom. While many activations at SDCC often feel like glorified product showcases, the HOLOCREATOR leaned into the power of narrative and emotional resonance. Fans queued outside, some as early as 8 AM, not just for the free chilled Coke—though that was certainly a draw in the scorching July heat—but for the opportunity to create something meaningful. A fan we chatted with, dressed as a mashup of a Coca-Cola delivery droid and a rebel pilot, summed it up best: “I came for the Vader selfie, but I stayed for the message I got to record for my kid back home.” Inside the activation, participants stepped in front of a sleek AR setup and were prompted to deliver a message “to the galaxy”—resulting in holograms that looked as if they were being projected by R2-D2 himself. You could almost hear John Williams’ score in the background.

Another highlight was, of course, the photo op with Darth Vader, whose presence loomed large both literally and symbolically inside the booth. While the holographic experience itself didn’t require a Comic-Con badge, lines were predictably long. As Isabelle Carty, a friend of Bleeding Cool, quipped, “The selfie-stick is strong in this one.” Her words weren’t wrong—the area around the activation had become a temporary cantina of fans comparing holos, sharing sodas, and debating whether Yoda would’ve preferred classic or zero sugar. It was whimsical, warm, and perfectly tuned to the kind of communal storytelling that defines SDCC.

Part of what elevated the HOLOCREATOR experience beyond a one-off gimmick was the physical keepsake fans walked away with—limited-edition Coca-Cola cans and bottles featuring exclusive Star Wars character designs. These collectibles weren’t just thrown into a swag bag. They were handed out personally by crew members who seemed just as excited as the attendees. And with supplies running out quickly each day, snagging one felt a bit like finding a Kyber crystal. The campaign's subtle message about refreshing one's galaxy—whether through Coke, community, or connection—was made tangible in every sip and snapshot.

It’s also worth noting that this wasn’t an isolated event, but part of a broader month-long campaign running across North America. According to Coca-Cola and Fandom, the HOLOCREATOR is just one node in a network of Star Wars experiences rolling out through media, custom content, and other activations. That scope gave the SDCC installation an added sense of occasion—this was the epicenter of something much larger. Whether you were a die-hard Jedi loyalist or a casual fan chasing a cool photo for your feed, the experience was designed to meet you where you were and give you something genuinely memorable.

Ultimately, the Coca-Cola x Star Wars Holocreator wasn’t just about AR gimmickry or branding fireworks. It captured what makes San Diego Comic-Con magical: the joy of stepping into a world you’ve always dreamed of and finding yourself part of the story. Whether you walked away with a custom hologram, a limited-edition bottle, or just the perfect selfie with Darth Vader, the force was undeniably strong with this one.

You can found in our Flickr page our photos here

Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville