'Rogue One' fans wait in long lines, Fandango site crashes during ticket sales

HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Tickets went on sale Sunday night for "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," and the demand was so high, lines formed around the block at theaters in Southern California, and popular movie website Fandango temporarily crashed.

It's the first of the "Star Wars" stand-alone films. The new movie focuses on a band of unlikely heroes on a mission to steal the plans to the death star.

Excited fans lined up for hours to be the first to buy tickets to see the film when it opens at the El Capitan Theatre.

The first 1,000 fans to purchase tickets at the theater were also going home with a special "Rogue One" poster.

Fans who've seen trailers for the movie said they believe the film will embrace the spirit of the original movie in the blockbuster "Star Wars" series.

"There's a reverence that I've seen in it that was kind of missing, especially in the prequels and this just brings it back for me," explained fan Nicholas Johnson.

Ticket demand was so high, the popular movie website Fandango crashed.

In a tweet Fandango responded, saying, "Due to an overwhelming amount of traffic, a wait room has been activated. Get #RogueOne tickets, soon you will."

"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" is set to open at El Capitan Theatre Dec. 16.