Super Bowl LXI Gets First Animated Live Star Wars Funday Football Makeover: How To Watch In The UK
The Super Bowl LXI is getting it's first animated alternate presentation in live time on Sunday 14th February 2027 and while it's great news for Disney and Star Wars fans, UK fans will not be getting the same live viewing experience. Star Wars Funday Football, which is going to be a live animated and faithful reproduction of the Superbowl LXI's action, will not be aired live here in the UK. Instead, UK fans will need to watch on demand on Disney+ UK after the live event, you just need a Disney+ subscription.
What Is Star Wars Funday Football?
Star Wars Funday Football is a real-time, fully animated alternate presentation of Super Bowl LXI, airing alongside the traditional game broadcast on Sunday 14th February 2027. The player's are transformed into animated avatars and they play in a Star Wars themed area, the game moves are replicated using technology, so the animated version is an accurate replica of the live version.
Using advanced NFL player tracking data, the live action from SoFi Stadium in California will be recreated instantaneously in animation. The AFC and NFC championship players will be transformed into digital avatars competing within a custom-built Star Wars environment. It is ESPN's first-ever animated Super Bowl telecast, building on the success of previous similar broadcasts using Toy Story and The Simpsons themes when airing regular-season games.
For Star Wars fans, there's a real reason to watch as original cast member Anthony Daniels is officially confirmed to return to voice C-3PO for the animation. Throughout the game, iconic characters from across the Lucasfilm franchise will make appearances, join the action, and interact with the animated NFL avatars on the field.
How Can You Watch Star Wars Funday Football In The UK?
Star Wars Funday Football is currently not scheduled to be available as a live broadcast here in the UK, however, it will be available to watch on demand after the live event. We expect it will drop on the 15th February 2027, but Disney+ have not shared exactly what time it will be available to watch on UK Disney+,. The official statement says that it will be:
“available on demand on Disney+ shortly after the live telecast”
Where To Watch Super Bowl LXI Live In The UK?
If you don't want to watch the Star Wars animated version, or you want to catch the Super Bowl action live first as it unfolds, here are the current places where you will be able to watch:
- The free option: Live coverage is set to broadcast for free on ITV1 and streamed on ITVX.
- The paid options: Sky Sports (via the dedicated Sky Sports NFL channel and Main Event) holds the UK broadcasting rights. You can also be stream via a NOW Sports membership.
Magic In A Minute
ESPN, Lucasfilm, Disney, and the NFL have teamed up to create Star Wars Funday Football, a ground-breaking alternate broadcast of American football's biggest game, the Super Bowl. UK fans won't be able to watch live, but it will be available on Disney+ after the live Super Bowl, so expect it to drop around 15th February 2027.