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Box office hit ... Daisy Ridley, right, as Rey, and John Boyega as Finn, in a scene from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Picture: David James/Disney/Lucasfilm via AP
A MAN has shown just how much he loves Star Wars by outlasting four other contestants to win a Star Wars marathon, where he sat through the films for 46 hours.
Jim Braden of Austin, Texas, sat through the first two trilogies comprised of the first six famous films made by George Lucas including Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Episode IV: A New Hope, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.
He then watched J.J. Abrams’ new film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens not once, not twice, but nine times in total and a Star Wars Holiday Special.
The Star Wars marathon was officially held at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Texas and began at 4.30am last Thursday.
Marathon entrants had to abide by a clear set of rules. There was no sleeping talking and texting allowed. Bathroom breaks were allowed between each film screening.
Mr Braden managed to outlast his competitors to win a trophy and a seven-year movie pass to the popular cinema.
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He told Variety that the experience was nearly “hallucintaryâ€, but worth it.
“We put ourselves through hell mentally and physically,†he said.
“Watching it became almost a hallucinatory experience… one other guy complained of having chest pains and dropped out.â€
To survive the marathon, Variety reports that he managed his caffeine intake by drinking it in six hour increments. He also ate fruits and nuts and wore shorts and flip flops, so he would feel the air-conditioning in the cinema, and be less likely to fall asleep.
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“I know I’m a true, lifelong Star Wars fan because I still love the series even after watching all of the movies back to back for so long,†Mr Braden told KXAN.com
Alamo Drafthouse CEO and Founder Tim League said: “We salute the resolve and resilience of this brave Jedi and we look forward to hosting him at Star Wars screenings for the next seven years.â€
Mr Braden also got a complete set of 2015 and 2016 Topps Star Wars card reader cards and a selection of rare Star Wars mondo prints. The cinema will also name a theatre seat in his honour.
Asked if he was over Star Wars, Mr Braden said he was planning to see The Force Awakens again with his family over the holidays.