There is plenty to be excited about at Disney’s D23 Expo this weekend! After revealing a new poster for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and announcing the director for Star Wars Episode IX, we now have a first look at the upcoming spin-off film called Star Wars: Rogue One. The film will be directed by Gareth Edwards (director of Godzilla) and is currently in the very early stages of filming for the anthology film. On Saturday, the cast was introduced for the first time on stage which included: Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything), Diego Luna (Milk), Mads Mikkelsen (Hannibal); Alan Tudyk (Firefly), Forest Whitaker (Lee Daniels’ The Butler); Ben Mendelsohn (Bloodline) martial artist and Hong Kong action star Donnie Yen, Jiang Wen (Gone with The Bullets), and Riz Ahmed (Nightcrawler).
In addition to announcing the cast, a first look image was introduced to fans that showcased the ensemble in one of the first detailed images of the upcoming film – and it doesn’t disappoint! Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy gave some insight on the connection the original trilogy and explains “Rogue One takes place before the events of Star Wars: A New Hope and will be a departure from the saga films but have elements that are familiar to the Star Wars universe. It goes into new territory, exploring the galactic struggle from a ground-war perspective while maintaining that essential Star Wars feel that fans have come to know. Gareth is such an innovative director and I’m so excited to be working with him and the extraordinary ensemble cast he’s selected for Rogue One.” By what we’ve gathered, the film will contain part of an important story (the stolen Death Star plans) but gives a chance to see who actually is responsible for aiding the heroes and bringing down the Empire’s diabolical plan.
All of this Star Wars news has me ready to binge watch the entire film series once again in preparation for the return of this beloved franchise, and count the days until each film’s release date. Star Wars: Rogue One anthology film will hit theaters a year after Episode VII, set for December 16th, 2016. Which Star Wars film are you most excited for?
