Star Wars fans: all your Christmasses have come at once. And at actual Christmas you'll get a new Star Wars film. Will you be able to take the excitement?
Without further ado, here's a round-up of the weekend's galactic action announced at the Disney Expo, D23. Galaction, if you will.
First Photo from Rogue One revealed
Star Wars: Rogue One is the first of a whole series of spin-off films - now officially to be referred to as Star Wars Stories movies according to Disney - and will tell the story of a rogue band of fighters who come together to steal the Death Star plans. The first official image was revealed over the weekend (below) as well as the announcement of new cast members. The full list now includes Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Forest Whitaker, Ben Mendehlson, Riz Ahmed, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Donnie Yen and Jiang Wen, while it will be directed by Gareth Edwards.
Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said: "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."
Rogue One is set to hit cinemas on 16 December 2016, while two further 'Stories' are rumoured to be about a youthful Han Solo and bounty hunter Boba Fett.
Director for Star Wars IX Announced
They're really getting their ducks lined up aren't they? With J.J. Abrams directing Episode VII and Rhian Johnson confirmed for Episode VII, it's now been announced that Episode IX will be helmed by Colin Trevorrow. It's perhaps not a surprise, given the enormous blockbuster success of his recent Jurassic World, but it seems a shame that there's been no space left for any director who happens to nail one episode to be given the chance to repeat his work. On the other hand, it should keep the whole thing fresh. We shall soon see.
Poster for The Force Awakens Revealed
Everyone loves a good movie poster and while, these days, it might seem a bit needless, given multiple teaser trailers and the fact that Star Wars: Episode VII doesn't exactly need any more publicity, it's still nice to see. This poster was created by artist Drew Struzan and was made just for attendees of the D23 Expo; there'll be more on the way. Interestingly, it reveals that John Boyega's character will definitely be a Jedi (he's not been seen with a lightsaber before), while also depicting Kylo Ren, Rey and Han Solo.
Disney announces Star Wars Land and Star Wars World at their theme parks
Not one but TWO new Disney Star Wars theme park attractions are going to be made soon, including rides featuring the Millenium Falcon and much more. Can this be anything but brilliant? No it cannot. Read more here.
There's Going to be a Darth Vader-inspired Playstation
Need any more incentive to whip out our console and get smashing bad guys? We don't think so. It'll be available 17 November - watch the trailer below and find out the full details here.
Are these the first images of The Force Awakens LEGO sets?
Nothing official announced here, but Twitter feed Star Wars forever has obtained these images of what look like the forthcoming LEGO sets for the new movie. Take a look at a couple below and see them all here.
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