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 massive gift into the laps of Star Wars fans today, releasing the second trailer for J.J. Abrams's upcoming The Force Awakens.
- Star Wars collection available for digital download, streaming
- Star Wars: Episode VIII to blast into theatres in May 2017
The new teaser includes fresh hints for fans who are counting down the days until the highly-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 Sith Lord Darth Vader appears out of the shadows.
"My father has it. I have it. My sister has it," Skywalker continues over a montage that shows a light sabre passing between two people.
"You have that power too."
A villainous glimpse
We also see English actor John Boyega as a fleeing Stormtrooper Finn and more scenes from the desert planet we know now is called Jakku.
The Force Awakens is set 30 years after Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.
"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 insignia and streamlined TIE fighters [of the Imperial Fleet].
"I'm encouraged by the direction J.J. Abrams appears to be taking."
The clip ends with Han Solo and Chewbacca back on the Millennium Falcon, with Solo exclaiming, "Chewie: we're home!"
The two-minute extravaganza was the crowning jewel at a so-called "Star Wars Celebration" in Anaheim, Calif. Thursday that was hosted by Abrams and producer Kathleen Kennedy.
The pair welcomed the film's actors: Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaacs and franchise veterans Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Anthony Daniels, and Peter Mayhew.
Highlights of the day included:
- A demonstration of BB8, the film's new roller-ball droid which is a fully automated robot.
- New Stormtrooper designs.
- New costumes.
Disney has already released plans for Star Wars: Episode VIII.
Rian Johnson, known for the innovative time travel film Looper, is confirmed to write and direct. Episode VIII which is slated for a May 2017 release.