Star Wars announces new teaser trailer & Twitter emojis
It’s been a while since a Star Wars Celebration has actually been able to hail a new addition to the franchise. But with the release of J.J. Abrams‘ Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens at the end of the year, this event was going to be special. Day one of the fan convention included a highly anticipated Q&A with Abrams; Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy; stars of the new film, Oscar Isaac, John Boyega and Daisy Ridley; veterans of the original saga Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew and Anthony Daniels; as well as the team that created the film’s robots and a group of Stormtroopers.
The discussion was broadcast live via the Star Wars YouTube channel, which will also be providing live coverage over all four days from “The Cantina.” The electricity in the room could be felt through the screen as Abrams’ promised to introduce a lot of new characters to the movie universe with a significant emphasis on the addition of more female characters.
Other tidbits from the panel:
• Apparently Abu Dhabi is not standing in for Tatooine; Episode VII in fact takes place on a planet called Jakku.
• Abrams insisted they use practical effects for as much of the film as possible, building elaborate sets and creating a real version of BB8.
• Ridley describes her character, Rey, as a “scavenger” who works in the salvage yard.
• Boyega says Finn is in “incredible danger” and the way he reacts to the danger “launches him into the Star Wars universe.” He also confirmed Finn is a Stormtrooper, which elicited a mock chastising from Abrams.
• According to Isaac, his character, Poe Dameron, is “the best frickin’ pilot in the galaxy,” and he’s “been sent on a mission by a certain princess.” His fate becomes intertwined with Rey and Finn’s, but how remains a secret.
• During the fan Q&A, Boyega relates his fandom through his love for the video games. He also shares an amusing anecdote in which he asked Harrison Ford (who couldn’t attend as he’s still recuperating from a recent crash landing) to sign his Han Solo action figure. “This is weird” Ford responded before obliging the younger actor.
• Abrams mentions the “sheer horror” of trying to please all Star Wars fans, but maintains, “We just will.”
• Fisher disappoints some fans by confirming Princess Leia’s signature hairstyle is retired, adding, “We have a new thing you’ll all be very into… which is not the metal bikini.” She also made the crowd a little uncomfortable by thanking them for owning her doll and “playing with me.”
