A long, long (long) time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…Well, ok just a long time ago actually somewhere in Melbourne…Return of The Jedi was the very first film I ever saw at the cinema. And, I fell in love. I fell in love with Luke Skywalker, and Han Solo and even Leia’s gold bikini (that’s another story). Mainly though, I fell in love with George Lucas’ brilliant intergalactic trilogy that sped us light years ahead in time and space and to worlds beyond our wildest child-like dreams.
If you’re anything like me, and not afraid to admit that you love a Wookie, would totally rate an Ewok as a pet, could seriously do some time on Tatooine in a teepee, genuinely think you may actually have The Force, would choose a Light Saber over just about any other form of self-defence, are STILL crushing hard on Harrison Ford from his Han Solo days (38rs later), and are proud to admit that Star Wars rocked your world…then you’ll no doubt be as pumped as I am about the December 2015 release of Star Wards Episode VII – The Force Awakens.
Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) & Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher)
Han Solo (Harrison Ford) & Yoda
Following the toppling of the Galactic Empire, the destruction of the second Death Star and the redemption of fallen Jedi knight Darth Vadar in Return of the Jedi, The Force Awakens takes place about 30 years later. Narrated by Mark Hamill, the trailer opens with the original Skywalker saying; “The Force is strong in my family. My father has it. I have it. My sister has it.” The iconic line opened Return of the Jedi (1893) and in this new trailer the same line is blended with John Williams’ moving original musical score (1977) and, well, the result is spine tingling!
With glimpses of original characters, hints at a new desert planet setting, X-Wings and all the usual Star Wars trimmings and decidedly superior sound and special FX, the trailer ends with the first glimpse of the return of everyone’s favourite characters Harrison Ford’s Han Solo and his co-pilot and wookie buddy, Chewbacca.
The trailers were released at a four-day Star Wars convention (no, I didn’t attend) in Anaheim, California along with some of the details die-hard fans can expect to enjoy later this year. The highly anticipated sequel is directed by J.J. Abrams and filming has been underway at Pinewood Studios in London and also on location in Abu Dhabi.
WATCH THE TRAILERS BELOW
Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens Trailer #1
Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens Trailer #2
What’s your favourite ever Star Wars moment/character/movie? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below…