The force burned brightly during Thursday’s coverage of the Rio Olympic Games as an eagerly awaited new trailer for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story finally arrived. The film marks a pretty spectacular test for the Star Wars universe as it marks the first cinematic spin-off of the re-jiggered franchise since Disney acquired Lucasfilm and established an ambitious plan based on the house that George Lucas built back in 1977. Last winter’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens (directed by J.J. Abrams) passed with flying colors with both audiences and critics and soon we shall see what turns up with Rogue One.
Gareth Edwards (Godzilla) directs Rogue One, which takes place shortly before the events of Star Wars: A New Hope and revolves around a group or rag-tag rebels who aim to steal plans of the Death Star – oh, and a major Star Wars villain just may show up as well (cough – Darth Vader.) Oscar nominee Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything) leads an impressive ensemble cast that includes Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Jiang Wen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Riz Ahmed, and Oscar winner Forest Whitaker.
The story thus far concerning Rogue One has revolved around the kerfuffle of re-shoots the film recently took place. Backward and forward arguments asserted their might be trouble in the Star Wars universe, or at least a tonal disconnect between Edwards’ initial cut and what the Disney brass expect from one of their prized possessions.
We shall find out for sure when the film opens in theaters on December 16th. Check out the latest trailer below.