A still from the trailer of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Highlights
- James Earl Jones will reprise his voice role from the original series
- The screen-time of Darth Vader is yet unknown
- AFI calls him the third greatest film character of all time
When the teaser for the first stand-alone film in the new
Star Wars anthology series,
Rogue One, was released back in April 2016, viewers got a glimpse of Oscar winner Felicity Jones as Rebel fighter Jyn Erso. The new trailer of the film, released bang in the middle of the ongoing Summer Olympics 2016 on Thursday, introduces the rest of her team, makes a big impact and drops a small bomb.
Granted, that Diego Luna as an Intelligence Officer (and possible love interest) and his sidekick droid (voiced by Alan Tudyk) take up a lot of footage in the new trailer, the biggest surprise is actually barely a second long.
He's back. Yes, if we're thinking on the right track, that split-second image of the black helmet is, in fact, Darth Vader. We've been hearing about the longevity of the appearance of the famous Sith Lord for months. Unfortunately, the trailer gives no clues. What does disappoint is the non-existence of James Earl Jones' famous baritone, something we know for sure will be part of the film.
As is expected from a trailer of such epic proportions, this one delivers with ample shots of CGI battles, the infamous Death Star and Imperial Star Destroyers, and an insight into the holy Jedha. There isn't a single dull moment, and it all culminates with the Darth Vader teaser which will keep viewers talking for weeks.
Forest Whitaker also makes an appearance as Saw Gerrera, a veteran of the Empire since the time of
Star Wars: The Clone WarsRogue One: A Star Wars Story, directed by Gareth Edwards, also stars Donnie Yen, Ben Mendelsohn and Riz Ahmed. Set in the film franchise universe shortly after
A New Hope, the plot revolves around the rebels' mission to steal the plans for the Death Star, the Empire's latest weapon.
The film releases in theatres worldwide on December 16.