So the nerd world was rocked yesterday when director J.J. Abrams revealed the second teaser trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. To kick off Star Wars Celebration yesterday in Anaheim, CA, J.J. Abrams and Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy presented a panel in which they discussed the new film, answered fan questions, and brought out both new and returning actors to the franchise, including Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher. Then the moment every Star Wars fan was waiting for finally happened: a brand new teaser trailer. The first teaser had a sense of urgency with an ominous voice-over from an unidentified character played by Andy Serkis. This new teaser showed even more footage while still maintaining the plot's secrecy, and it's everything you could want from a Star Wars film. Here are 10 reasons why I am beyond excited for this new entry from my favorite franchise:
1) This Feels More Like STAR WARS Than The Prequels Ever Did.
The prequels disappointed just about every Star Wars fan. Though there are some redeeming qualities to be found in Episodes I-III, they felt very disconnected from the original trilogy in tone, effects, design, and in just about every other way. In the opening shot of this new teaser we see a crashed X-Wing fighter in the foreground and an enormous Star Destroyer in the background. Though 30 years have passed, this shows a direct connection to the original trilogy, specifically the events of Return of the Jedi. While other ships, armor, and weapons have all been updated for the new film, none of the new designs feel detached from what came before. Instead of wandering into a strange, foreign house, this teaser feels like coming home to a place we all know and love (which is summed up perfectly by the final line of the teaser).
2) The Old Gang Is Back
Like many others I was a little worried about seeing my favorite Star Wars characters returning to the big screen after such a long absence. My worries were put to rest with the final shot of the teaser, featuring our favorite scoundrels: Han and Chewy. Harrison Ford, with that charming Solo smirk, simply says, "Chewy, we're home." That's all it took. In three seconds I felt like I was back to my childhood. That wasn't just old Harrison Ford. Sure, he is an older Han Solo, but the point is that it was completely Han Solo. The look in his eyes, the crooked smile, it was just perfect. Time will tell how well the original three will fare in this new movie, but I'm so glad they're back.
3) It's About New Characters
As much as I love having the original stars back in this new film, the fact of the matter is that they can't continue the franchise on their own. This new set of films needs to focus on fresh characters to progress the saga. In the first teaser, we didn't see any of the original stars, only new cast members. J.J. and Disney could have easily focused on just the original cast in this new teaser, but that was not the case. Sure, you get voice-over from Luke, possibly see Leia's hands, and a brief shot of Han and Chewy, but this teaser was still very much about the new faces: Daisy Ridley's Rey, John Boyega's Finn, Oscar Isaac's Poe Dameron, and the mysterious Kylo Ren. If these new films are going to succeed, it will be upon the shoulders of these new characters, and I believe J.J. and team understand that completely.
4) The Title Seems Extremely Appropriate
When it was announced that Episode VII was to be titled The Force Awakens, there were some underwhelmed feelings. While I was not disappointed with the title, I did acknowledge that it's not a particularly exciting one. Having seen the first two teasers, I don't think there could be a more appropriate title. The first teaser hinted at the Sith returning, while this new teaser talks about the Force in the Skywalker family, and how a new figure now has the Force as well (possibly a Skywalker or Solo offspring?). It also seems to fit the story, giving some insight as to why we haven't seen a new film since Jedi. There was balance in the Force after the fall of Emperor Palpatine, but now The Force has returned to both the Dark Side and the Light. It makes sense that the next film would not appear until such an event would occur.
5) Kylo Ren, Relic Hunter?
Little is known about the hooded figure now known as Kylo Ren. There have been many theories and rumors about the character, but one that seems to make the most sense to me has been discussed at length by Kristian Harloff from Schmoes Know and AMC Movie Talk. Could Kylo Ren be a Sith relic hunter? In the original teaser we see him ignite a crossguard lightsaber. Many noticed that the saber's beam was different (not as controlled and steady) than the traditional lightsaber, possibly indicating that it is an ancient relic.
The new teaser showed an interesting and intriguing shot of Darth Vadar's burnt skull and helmet. I've read some speculation that this shot was only made for the teaser and won't be in the final print of the film. I don't believe that for a second. Sure, there are many times that we see clips in trailers that never make it into the final edit of a film, but I believe this shot is not just for fans, it's an integral part of the story. Could this be one of the Sith relics that Kylo Ren might be after?
Kylo Ren's mask is awfully curious. Yes, it's an intimidating look that definitely belong on a Star Wars villain, but could it be more than that? Many have speculated that Kylo Ren may actually be Darth Revan, an ancient Sith Lord that is featured in the Star Wars Expanded Universe, now known as Star Wars Legends. However, could it be that this is only Revan's mask and yet another Sith relic that Kylo Ren has collected? Regardless of the speculation, the similarities between the masks are quite striking.
6) Is BB-8 The Next R2-D2?
The first teaser introduced us to a new droid called BB-8. Strangely, many criticized his functionality and design. However, what is impressive is that BB-8 is a working prop as was displayed on stage yesterday at Star Wars Celebration. What surprised me was how small he was, about half the size of R2-D2. No doubt that he will be beloved by children who see the film, but I get the impression he will win over the hearts of many adults, including the most die-hard fans. R2-D2 has long been one of my favorite characters, often saving the day with almost zero credit. I see BB-8 taking on that role for these new films. Plus, I can always tell a Milford droid.
7) The New Boba Fett?
One character that has many fans buzzing is this Chrome Trooper (as fans are calling it). Could this be a new intimidating hunter-type character like Boba Fett? I do not believe this is a bounty hunter. The helmet's design is too similar to the new Stormtrooper helmet, but the chrome finish, cape, and rifle make this trooper stand out from all the rest. Some have speculated that this is a Captain, possibly played by Game of Throne's Gwendoline Christie. Regardless, I like to think that this is a skilled killer, possibly an Imperial assassin. Also, I love the Throne Room/Death Star design of the lights in the background. Another detail that makes this feel exactly like a Star Wars film.
8) Will This Be PG-13?
There is only one film in the Star Wars saga that was rated PG-13 and that was Revenge of the Sith. Generally, Star Wars has aimed for the ever family-friendly PG rating with most of its films. There is almost no blood to be found in the films, aside from a bloody severed arm in A New Hope, but that was before there was a PG-13 rating. Many assumed that with J.J. Abrams behind the camera we'd be getting a fun adventure, and no doubt that will be the case, but most figured that the story would only go dark with the second film, being directed by Rian Johnson. In the new teaser there are plenty of dark images, mostly featuring Kylo Ren, but there is also this shot which appears to have blood stains smeared down the face of Finn's Stormtrooper helmet. For a series that rarely shows any blood, it makes me wonder if perhaps we are getting a more intense, darker Episode VII than we originally thought.
9) Does Rey Have Skywalker Blood?
When the new cast was first announced, many wondered if Daisy Ridley would be playing the daughter of Han Solo and Leia. When looking at her character, Rey, in these two teasers, she does have similar features to both Carrie Fisher and Natalie Portman. Already she appears to be a strong character who isn't afraid of a fight, much like Leia and Padme. In the voice-over, Luke talks about the Force being strong in his family (dialogue taken from Return of the Jedi), and he then tells someone that they have it too. It's reasonable to assume he is talking to a relative. Could Rey be a part of the Skywalker line and have the Force?
10) The Empire Reborn
This brief shot shows an eerie image that is reminiscent of Nazi Germany. There is a symbol on the red curtains in the background, similar to the Imperial crest from the original trilogy, but an obviously new representation. Also, there is some figure standing on stage in the background presiding over this new army of Stormtroopers. Who is it? A new or aspiring emperor? So many questions, and I definitely don't need any answers till I'm seated in the theater on opening night.
Okay, so maybe I am going a little overboard with the speculation and high hopes, especially based off about three and a half minutes of combined footage from two teasers, but that's what makes Star Wars iconic. Teasers with only 90 seconds and 120 seconds can spark all sorts of debate. In truth, the movie could end up being a huge disappointment; I realize that. Just because it has the Star Wars name attached to it does not make it great. Fans learned that the hard way with the prequels. However, what gets me more excited than anything is the fact that this isn't just another Star Wars film. What excites me is that it feels like a Star Wars film.
What do you think? Are you excited? What theories do you have about these characters and where do you think the story will go? If you liked what you read, please give it a share.
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