(Yavin IV) — Like many of you, I am becoming increasingly giddy over the upcoming Star Wars spin off “Rogue One.” The film, of course, is a prequel anthology set sometime before the events of “Episode IV: A New Hope” and features a ragtag group of rebel fighters trying to steal the plans for the iconic Empire space-weapon, the Death Star. Check out the most recent story trailer:
Thing are looking dark for the characters that inhabit the galaxy in “Rogue One.” The Empire is growing militarily and there is the ever looming threat of the mass destruction that will be unleashed by the Death Star. It’s a bit more grim looking than Star Wars has been in the past which seems to be the direction the franchise has been heading since “The Force Awakens.” Many long-time fans of the franchise should be pleased with that direction as the gritty, western feel of “A New Hope” is one of the reasons why it is so loved. Yes, Han shot first.
The film has a great cast including Felicity Jones, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, James Earl Jones, Donnie Yen, and Forest Whitaker. Here’s to hoping that they have the same chemistry on-screen as the “Force Awakens” cast. I am also greatly looking forward to seeing some Stormtroopers getting the tar kicked out them. You don’t really see much hand-to-hand combat in Star Wars unless it involves lightsabers.
“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” opens in theaters on December 15th.