Walt Disney will find out whether the force has awakened yet in China

Hollywood has struggled to hold on to its share in China amid a government-promoted surge in local productions

Fans lined the red carpet to see star Daisy Ridley in a bright floral dress. Actor Mark Hamill bowed. A phalanx of Stormtroopers marched, while droid BB-8 rolled in to the delight of the crowd.

It was all part of the show for the Chinese premiere of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” held December 20 at the Shanghai Disney Resort. Walt Disney Co. wants to make a splash in what will be the last major market to see the newest “Star Wars” film. It hits theaters there January 5.

The Chinese debut will test whether Disney has made any traction