Star Wars fans rejoice! The force has awakened and a shiny new teaser trailer has been released! After taking a day to stop hyperventilating, I am here to break down things you may have missed in the excitement! Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the 7th Episode in the Star Wars series and will kick off a new trilogy based off of an entirely original story. Some were skeptical about J.J. Abrams taking the helm, but his return to puppets, actual ship models, and technical special effects rather than heaps of CG effects, have earned the confidence of many fans including myself.
The folks behind Star Wars Episode 7 have remained tight lipped about the stories details, but this is what we can gather from the teaser thus far.
The Empire has all but disappeared, and they seem to be sporting some new toys. The classic look of the Stormtrooper helmet has been streamlined and updated, and their trusty blaster rifles have been given a facelift as well (maybe they’ll actually hit something now). Perhaps they have returned with even greater force to answer the rebellion and avenge their lost leaders.
Technology has fundamentally changed in the past few years. Early in the projects development, it was revealed that Episode 7 takes many years after Return of the Jedi. This can perhaps explain why certain things have changed such as the odd spherical droid we see bumbling his way across the sands of Tattooine. The empire having a tighter grip on the galaxy and it’s resources might also explain why that speeder almost looks like re-purposed salvage from a large ship.
Apparently the rebel forces are alive and well, and have a financial backer paying for sweet new X Wing fighters! Judging by the red markings on his helmet, the unknown pilot in the trailer may be part of the same squadron Luke flew in during previous episodes.
THE SITH HAVE RETURNED. Sorry, SWTOR moment. It is unclear how a new Sith could emerge, since both were killed in Return of the Jedi, but perhaps through meditation or contact with a relic charged with dark energy, a force sensitive warrior was turned to the Dark Side. But seriously, look at that lightsaber! It may be unpractical and potentially dangerous to the user, but man it looks badass. Many have made fun of the weapon for it’s impracticality, but perhaps it is a relic, an ancient saber? We’ll have to wait to find out.
And finally, the Falcon returns. We see the beloved Millennium Falcon evading TIE fighter fire over the sands of Tattooine. A very talented pilot seems to be at the helm, perhaps our old buddy Han.