Star Wars fans who attended Lucasfilm's panel during the San Diego Comic Con definitely had a great time last week. Aside from seeing the movie's cast members and attending a secret Star Wars concert, director J.J. Abrams also featured a behind-the-scenes clip from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." The exclusive footage gave fans a glimpse of the wonderful concept arts, characters and filming scenes. The Star Wars panel also revealed interesting details about the upcoming film such as Planet Jakku and iconic battles.
Jason Ward, editor-in-chief for MakingStarWars, described his time at the San Diego Comic Con as fruitful. The Star Wars panel provided fans with a look and an idea of how tumultuous the galaxy has become after the death of Emperor Palpatine. Ward noted that things drastically changed between "Return of the Jedi" and "The Force Awakens." Some of the "macro" events described by Ward includes a chaotic Coruscant with Grand Vizier Mas Amedda attempting to keep the Empire together. There were also powerful people declaring themselves as Emperor and using their forces to fight others vying for the throne.
Ward also shared that planet Jakku, although considered a worthless world, became the focus of a power struggle which ultimately resulted to one of the largest battles since the Battle of Endor. The MakingStarWars editor also mentioned that the leader of the New Republic, General Carlist Rieekan, ordered a team to capture a Star Destroyer named "Inflictor," a ship that Rey appears to use in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." There are still many details that Ward shared which helped to set up the movie's story. One is Sondiv Sella being a likely parent of Korr Sella who will serve Leia Organa in the Resistance. What also stood out to Ward is that the Rebel Alliance, who proclaimed itself as the New Republic, was established in the Hosnian System and not on Courscant.
Meanwhile, the behind-the-scenes (BTS) footage shared during Comic Con gave fans an interesting take on the characters, the transition from concept art to costume and set design, including a peek at cast members for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." One is a quick an blurry snap shared by StarWars7News which reportedly confirms actor Ken Leung playing a Resistance general.
Other interesting details includes C-3PO's red left hand, actor Simon Pegg also appearing in "The Force Awakens," and snaps of Rey with BB-8 and what appears to be a big dog droid. The BTS also showed Rey flying the Falcon, Poe Cameron with his X-Wing and an exclusive first look at a pink R2-KT.
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is scheduled to hit movie theaters on December 18, 2015.
