NumberWan

So there is lots and lots of stuff revealed to us last night. There is another TV spot of Episode VII, but it is nothing really special - both the scenes and the music had been seen before this one was released. However there is also a promo clip for the video about the Behind the scenes story, which reveals some additional shots from the film (don't expect too much), which can be watched here. SWU also posted a few images from the film. One is especially interesting regarding the scene with Kylo Ren. And one more spoiler... Be careful. There is a book, that shows some of the locations in Episode VII, including the village on Jakku. In one of the places we see the already known character - Poe Dameron, talking to someone else in a small hut. Some people believe that to be a very precise character from the film.

There'ver been several TV spots of Episode VII. Some new shots, of Millenium Falcom above the beautiful lake. Tv Spot Or here: On Youtube

@Kylo Ren There is also a place for an idea, that Kylor Ren is looking for Anakin's lightsaber, believing that to be Vader's saber. What happened on the Death Star prior to the explosion - is not a known fact. Some data from the remnants of the Empire might only reveal, that Vader arrived with Luke to meet with the Emperor. After that - no information. So the pursuit of the relic might be connected to the idea of "wrong gods and idols", because the Empire should have treated Vader as a traitor, but it seems his true identity and story are kept secret. It can also be a reason, why Kylo looks for all the relics of the times of the OT: to keep the story alive and the main base for stabiliaty and strength of the First Order.

@zeƒilus For now I feel, that Episodes I and IV are close in many aspects, closer than Episodes III and IV. Not only visually and to some extent with the plot (Strong Galactic Empire, Jedi and rural Tatooine - Royal Naboo, Militaristic Trade Federation and rural Tatooine). Episode IV was the first to establish the best of the SW traditions and the first to introduce classic Star Wars contrasts. Episode I was the first to revive the traditions and the first to flourish the contrasts of the OT. There are also other similarities like the thing, that both for Episodes IV and I the team went to Tunisia to film Tatooine, and in both cases, if I am not mistaken, the whole shooting process could have been jeorpadized by a strong storm, which caused a lot of problems for the sets and teams. Besides these storms were a rare thing, as according to Behind the scenes videos, and took place once in 30-45 years or so. Now with Episode VII I believe we might notice some similarities as well between Episodes VII and IV, surely some time after we have watched them.

@DrXann I guess, you would agree with me, that this fact wouldn't be a problem for making anything in Battlefront. The first two games included dozens of locations, some of which didn't have to appear at all. In this regard Rhen Var seemed to be a very unusual addition, in my opinion.

I found the new (Japanese) trailer purely by accident. Funny, that it includes a few additional scenes and even some more lines from the main characters. And we see Kylo Ren with other characters in one shot at last. The character played by Ken Leung is seen in the background as one of the Resistance leaders. Remarkably Jakku might have the same moisture vaporators like on Tatooine then.

I noticed, that Battlefront includes new music, created specifically for this game (part of it was first introduced with one of the early trailers). It seems it even has it's own theme. Which raises the question, what's the plot of the game, aside from the obvious Galactic Civil War? Too bad the game for now boasts only Hoth, Endor, Tatooine and Sullust (and Jakku). Surely the level of detail required working a lot on very many aspects of each location and took time, but battlefront I and II were also notable at their time and they introduced Naboo, Tatooine, Geonosis, Hoth, Rhen Var, and later Felucia, Mustafar, Coruscant among many others in one pack. I really hoped for diversity in this game too. DLC could still be possible, if it was important for developers, and they could reintroduce Manaan, Wayland, Raxus, Nar Shaddaa and many other locations into the game.

@ShadowPhoenix The above discussion has just reminded me, that in most cases the Star Wars fans are divided into two opposing groups, which surely can't be true. In fact there are many people, who stick to different opinions: some enjoy the movies only (and don't take any new or old EU into account), some like EU more than the movies (e.g. there are people who believe KOTOR2 plot to be better than of the Saga), some enjoy Original Trilogy (OT) and certain portions of the old EU, some like OT and The Clone Wars (a strange, but yet reasonable combination), etc. etc. I don't think anyone can be blamed for loving the original EU. For me that part still lives despite Episode VII, even though I ignore the Yuzhang Vong invasion, that is perhaps the only part I don't like. We must be frank: it's one of the most disputable things which shouldn't have happened in Star Wars (No, I will not forgive! Chewbacca!))))). However I do find a place for Yuzhang Vong in Star Wars, as a species far away and a possible threat. I consider myself to be a SW fan, which enjoys knowing most things in advance, so I try to learn a lot about The Force Awakens, just as it happened with Episode II, Episode III and series like TCW and Rebels, as well as games of KOTOR2 and TFU. I must say, that TFA has an unprecedented level of secrecy, but what can be learned shows good signs, true to what I expect from Star Wars. I know of the Versus series, but didn't know of EvanNova95's approach. I must be frank, I use the same principle in myd own Star Wars projects, binding different things together.

I also enjoy EU a lot, KOTOR and Dark Forces II are among my most favourite stories in Star Wars. And when someone asks me about my favourite character, I often recall someone from EU, not from the films. But a new movie - The Force Awakens, doesn't ruin the EU which I like. Not a bit. Maybe because I consider Star Wars to be a whole collection of so many stories, that they not just can contradict each other, but actually should contradict each other. Take any good mythology and you will see, that the biography of legendary heroes are often quite different, as according to different sources. And in most cases the sources are well respected. It is only logical, that 25 000 years even in a Galaxy far-far away can't be documented the correct way. Take Earth's history - even in the last 100+ years there are things unexplainable and treated differently by different people, sides, historians, etc. EU can work the same way: it is no novice, that some stories couldn't fit into the EU, even without touching the movies. So it might be okey, that TFA reboots the time period set some decades after Return of the Jedi. I doubt it will significatly alter things like General Veers biography or Darth Malak and Revan's adventures. They can ignore it, but that doesn't mean they will be abolished completely. And who said, that you have to adhere to what the official comments from Lucasarts say? You can enjoy Episode VII and still have fun replaying Shadows of the Empire. Rogue One does affect Kyle Katarn's adventures, but it happened before too. SW will still have a place for him, there is no doubt about it.

@ Most of my friends (though not as many as a year ago) believe that TFA will be absolutely terrible. They still plan to watch it though, in the cinema some days after the premiere. I think the movie will certainly have drawbacks, and some people will say a lot of things, which can be defined as criticism, and perhaps rightfully so. Nothing can truly be of taste for everyone. I personally believe, that The Phantom Menace was much closer to the Original Trilogy than Episodes II and III, and surely more than some other stories like the Clone Wars. The film definitely had many things, true to original Star Wars canon, even though some designs (like Naboo architecture, Galactic Senate, Trade Federation) didn't look like what we had already been familiar with. So time will show up, what TFA truly stands for. For now all the joy voiced here and there is that most fans - both enjoying SW and disappointed ones - felt when seeing only some of the familiar images, very close and dear to them, which was enough and unexpected at this stage. It is the reason why many are so excited.

New Pictures from Episode VII. I am glad to see the little box-droid (actually a Mouse Bot), seen in so many SW stories, be it Dark Forces II or Jedi Academy.

J.J.Abrams answer some questions from different people. Someone didn't forget about Lost by mentioning the Smoke Monster.))) And George Lucas is presumably one of those, who asks the questions too. Link (G.Lucas at 1:10) Jared Leto also joked nicely in this video. Also there is info on a few pivotal moments from the film. These rumors explain some moments about Luke, Maz, Ren Knights and also mention one thing, that was present in EU books.

Yuzhang Vong are no longer real. At least a large invasion of the Galaxy and destruction of Coruscant, as well as the death of Chewbacca - this is now absolute non-canon. However you right to assume, that J.J.Abrams and Disney as a whole might pick some of the earlier creations and re-introduce them in new EU and even in the films. Nothing prevents the existence of the Yuzhang Vong far away with some of their members arriving in the Galaxy to spy on the existing powers. And it might be of surprise, but at least one cancelled episode of The Clone Wars TV series was supposed to include the yuzhang gong, that is that a squad of stormtroopers would encounter an unknown object, that looks like an organic asteroid with powerful weapons. Which would indicate, that the menacing creatures are already in the Galaxy, but only spying, preparing for their possible invasion. And we also know that TFA includes tiny pieces from TCW too! So think of possible links here. There was a rumour, that these stories would be told in some manner by yet unknown character (Max Von Sydow) to Rey. These stories would also be linked to this character, most likely, that he participated in some of the events. Nothing is known here for now.

@ Well, the Plaguies' fate was sealed, when J.J.Abrams directly answered the question, whether the wise Sith Lord would be in The Force Awakens or not, and his team responded, that no, there wouldn't be Plaguies. As much as I find the character intriguing, I am positive, that his remaining in the past is for the best. His return would minimize the role of Palpatine and would also harm the Original Trilogy, as well as Plaguies would be a doubtful figure in the new trilogy...

There was a rumour, that Kylo Ren pretended in some cases to be a Skywalker to destroy the legendary hero reputation, that game much ground to the Rebellion and later the New Republic. The thing was that nobody except for some knew where Luke was, and Kylo wanted to lure him out with very different atrocities in the Galaxy. While we ask the question, who is Kylo Ren, Supreme Leader Snoke is a far larger mystery. We can only assume for now, that he is not a human, or at least not a human in common sense. SWU published an info on his possible persona: At one point people were saying there is no New Republic in TFA. And no Rebels. But now we know that there is the Resistance. This isn't necessarily a spoiler, but the idea is based on some leaked info. I also found this art regarding the shot from the trailer.

I also noticed Kylo without helmet, which raised the very question, whether he looked ugly like most Dark Side followers. It seems not. This shot actually reminded me of Jon Snow from Game of Thrones. As for Mandalorians, I am not that sure, but it is true, that Kylo Ren is accompanied by someone else other than stormtroopers. Not black troopers too.

There are probably two moments in Episode IV, which make me feel that the characters are talking or are simply too far from the older events, so old and long ago, that they are almost like legends these days (A New Hope timeline). This scene in the remote hut on the edge of the Dune Sea is one such moment – it is somehow warm and cozy, I must say, as if you are sitting there and listening to old stories, which catch you breath, as you listen about the adventures of young Obi Wan with his Master, while fighting droids and unthinkable droidekas in the hallways of the Trade Federation, or the later Battle of Geonosis when Jedi of all sorts fight the most bizarre armies of the CIS and so on. This very hut, as well as Tatooine itself, is a reminder, that the true adventure, the real story starts here - far from the capital. And the real hero emerges from a simple farm family.

@@DrXann We can assume, it is indeed Chewbacca in the scene, badly wounded. Some claim it is simply a very large bold-shaved Ewok, but I don't buy it. =) People are divided now, whether Chewbacca or Han die in the film. @@dark_apprentice A comparison with the Death Star is in order. It is obvious, the weapon was either made inside the uninhabited planet, or this is something similar to Imperial Asteroids in Mysteries of the Sith video game. Those looked like natural stuff, but inside there was a military base with a weapon installation, though less powerful than Death Star beam. We can also assume, that this Starkiller Weapon wasn't made by the First Order initially. There was a rumour about it some months ago. The adapted comics based on early draft uses most of the older ideas. It is true and no longer big news, that Luke's role will look familiar to Star Wars fans, reminding of someone specific from the OT. The Ren as a title might be derived from that early draft too. And dozens of other things, including the new armor for snow troopers is actually from the early sketches for Episode V. Here is an article, which analyses one scene from the trailer - when Han, Rey and Finn enter a building when a red droid passes by. It's interesting, that what we see in the background is an actual reference to many things seen in Episode I TPM and in The Clone Wars! Did anyone forget Sebulba the Dug? Also one of the FB groups re-quoted the phrase from the trailer in this picture:

It is most likely (and logical), that Episode VII will look like the Original Trilogy, however the prequels won't be ignored too. "What ever happened – happened", a principle to be observed in the new trilogy for sure. Episode VIII might explore other themes and motives, thus Episode VII is a bridge between generations. We can't be sure, that Han will die. Some sources claim this won't happen. As for Luke, I wouldn't worry too much: Force Ghosts are still canon. And he was an apprentice to Obi-Wan Kenobi himself!

I find this interesting. Years pass by.

Quite the trailer. And it's so wise of them to include the general classic music motive into these (even KOTOR had it). Somehow the feel in the movie will be more mixed than in other episodes, or so it seems. I mean, for TFA will most likely be like a nostalgic return, the story of the days passed. More than that this moment is mentioned in the episode itself. What kind of legends do they refer to? As for Han Solo, well, there are 50/50 opinions, that he will or will not die. I am not sure myself, though it is possible, yes. I think that this might be the right thing from a drama point of view. After all that was the idea from the very old script, so that a major character would die after Episode VI (though it wasn't necessarily Han Solo). Harrison Ford indeed wanted his character die, and if it happens in honorable way, with due feelings, than it can be true to Star Wars. Chewie's death was something I neglected in EU for long. www.yandex.ru (an @mail service) also released a Russian version of the trailer with the introduction from J.J.Abrams, and provided the Users with the new The Force Awakens mail design/style. I still can't believe the Galaxy far away can be so different with so many things, characters and designs in one universe. P.S. There is a sound of a Dantooine bird from KOTOR in the trailer - in the beginning. A coincidence, but good one

It is funny, that these TV spots are just the preview for the actual trailer to show up today. The poster is nice, we can see Maz Kanata there as well as the new weapon. Seems they are trying to develop the new Death Star... Well, sort of. I just hope it won't destroy half the Galaxy in one episode.

@@Lancelot Back in 1997 when I saw the Special Edition of the Classic Trilogy, I was absolutely thrilled to see the new scenes and added characters. Especially the one with Jabba the Hutt in Episode IV. However It was much later, that I came to the idea, that this meeting near the Millennium Falcon could have been done differently. While seeing Jabba and Boba Fett in Episode IV is somehow a cool thing, I would have made the Hutt more grotesque (even more than in the renovated later version), and wouldn't show the moment with Han Solo walking over his tail. The documentary of 1997 actually showed the people returning to Classic movies to see what they can do then. They reintroduced the scene with Jabba and the "tail thing" was a problem. And while I appraise the cunning here to show Han step onto the tail, it was somehow strange from the point, that Jabba would have hit Han then, and his guards might even want to kill him for this disrespect. George Lucas often said even before that, that when he was making Star Wars he was dissatisfied with what he could do in 1970s: he was limited by dozens of things. It is even more clear, if we look what was happening when Lucas would approach someone with his script before A New Hope: most people found it very foolish and more than that – impossible to show on screen. 20th Century Fox was the only ones eager enough to take the risks. So I guess, those limits of 1970s, which didm't allow G.Lucas to make all he wanted, is one of the reasons, he wanted to change the films much later. Special Edition was somehow a rehearsal prior to the Prequels, and another reason for his later decisions. With the releases of Episode I-III, Lucas was concerned (perhaps the most), by the idea, that the OT and the PT wouldn't be linked to each other by fans and viewers. So he often added details here and there to expand the Galaxy, introducing some elements from Star Wars traditional stuff into both trilogies. Like Luke's land speeder in Episode I or Tatooine classic architecture in Episode I-II, and like Ronto in Episode IV, as well as a Dug Patron in Jabba's Palace in Episode VI. I am not saying that all this was necessary, but Lucas wanted to tie all the movies together even more, so he added some things from prequels (like the new Emperor in Episode V). Anakin Skywalker's face is the most debatable moment so far. But as much as seeing Hayden Christensen is somehow strange in ROTJ, so is to certain extent to see the "clean and old" Anakin by Shaw. Darth Vader was disfigured, damaged and with scars – why would a Force Ghost look differently? It's all debatable again and again.

On Monday we'll see the new trailer for Episode VII (can't wait!). Here is a preview of the shot from the film, as some people claim.