Star Wars fans stunned by surprise Force Awakens trailer
The second trailer includes new hints ahead of film's highly-anticipated Dec. 18 release
Disney dropped a massivegift into the laps of Star Wars fans today, releasing thesecond trailer for J.J. Abrams's upcomingThe Force Awakens.
- Star Wars collection available for digital download, streaming
- Star Wars: Episode VIII to blast into theatres in May 2017
The new teaserincludes freshhints for fans who are counting down the days until thehighly-anticipated film's Dec. 18 release.
Can't see the video? Watch it here.
"The Force is strong in my family," says a voice that likely belongs Luke Skywalker,while the melted mask of SithLord Darth Vaderappears out of the shadows.
"My father has it.I have it. My sister has it," Skywalkercontinues over a montage that shows alightsabrepassingbetween two people.
"You have that power too."
A villainousglimpse
We also see English actorJohn Boyegaas a fleeing StormtrooperFinn and more scenes from the desert planet we know now is calledJakku.
The Force Awakensis set 30 years afterEpisode VI: Return of theJedi.
"While wiping away my tears of joy," said CBC's film critic Eli Glasner,"I'd say the trailer seems to suggest a resurgence of the evil empire, complete with bold red insigniaand streamlined TIEfighters [of the Imperial Fleet].
"I'm encouraged by the direction J.J. Abrams appears to be taking."
The clip ends with Han Solo and Chewbaccaback on the Millennium Falcon, withSolo exclaiming,"Chewie: we're home!"
The two-minute extravaganza was the crowning jewel at a so-called "Star Wars Celebration" inAnaheim, Calif. Thursday that washosted byAbrams and producerKathleen Kennedy.
The pair welcomedthe film's actors: Boyega,Daisy Ridley,Oscar Isaacsand franchise veteransMark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Anthony Daniels, and Peter Mayhew.
Highlights of the day included:
- Ademonstration ofBB8, the film's new roller-balldroid which is a fully automated robot.
- New Stormtrooper designs.
- New costumes.
Disney has already released plans forStar Wars: Episode VIII.
Rian Johnson, known for theinnovative time travel filmLooper,is confirmed to write and direct.Episode VIIIwhich is slated for a May 2017 release.