Way back in November 2013, LucasFilm announced that Star Wars: The Force Awakens will hit theaters on December 18, 2015. Ever since then, it was assumed by many that the highly-anticipated movie will open on the same date around the world, but that isn't the case. Star Wars UK's Twitter page revealed today that the movie will actually open in UK theaters December 17, one full day earlier than in the U.S. release. Though, there are actually several other countries that will get to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens earlier than the rest of the world.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens' IMDB page reveals that the movie will be released in the United Arab Emirates first on December 15. A slew of countries will release Star Wars: The Force Awakens on December 16, such as France, Italy, Belgium, Bahrain, Denmark, The Netherlands, Norway, The Philippines and Sweden. Oddly enough, the IMDB page still has the U.K. release listed for December 18, but it's possible this one-day shift was just recently made. Other territories releasing the movie on December 17 are Brazil, Germany, Hong Kong and Mexico, just to name a few.

The Star Wars UK's Twitter announcement was made today to celebrate the fact that just 100 days remain until this highly-anticipated sci-fi sequel hits theaters. We reported last week that the soundtrack for Star Wars: The Force Awakens will debut on December 18, in tandem with the theatrical release. With news of certain international territories getting earlier releases, it isn't known if the soundtrack will also be made available a bit earlier as well.

It isn't clear why the decision was made to release Star Wars: The Force Awakens a bit earlier in these countries, but it isn't uncommon for huge tentpole movies like this to receive staggered releases throughout the globe. There are a few countries who will actually get to see the film later than everyone else, with Greece's release date set for December 24, Morocco's release happening on January 14, 2016, Egypt's debut taking place on January 15, 2016 and China, one of the world's most important international markets, debuting Star Wars: The Force Awakens on January 29, 2016.

Star Wars UK also released a brief video to commemorate the 100-day countdown to Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which you can see below. Are you jealous that these countries will get to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens before the rest of the world? Check out the brief video below, and let us know what you think as we continue the countdown to Star Wars: The Force Awakens's December 18 release in the U.S.