We're closer than ever to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the first standalone Star Wars film ever. Though the highly anticipated Gareth Edwards-helmed slice of galactic cinema isn't due until Dec. 16, the Star Wars Celebration event in London Friday brought impatient fans the most in-depth look yet at the Rebel spies tasked with stealing the plans for the Death Star.
"I think I'm probably a lot like everybody in this audience," Edwards told the audience during the Rogue One panel, which also saw the release of some behind-the-scenes footage and a slick new poster. "I watched A New Hope every day growing up. It's just been the most insane, most surreal experience."
Friday's Star Wars Celebration event also saw the team behind Rogue One sharing some early concept art, including this first take on our rebellious heroes:
As confirmed last month, the OG sad boy who practically invented the daily black-on-black flex will also be popping in for some fun in Rogue One. Darth Vader, everyone's fav Sith Lord, will once again be voiced by James Earl Jones for what Entertainment Weekly has described as a "strategic" appearance. Speaking of sad boy dads, Mads Mikkelsen was confirmed Friday to be playing Galen Erso, the father of Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones).
Not to be outdone, Ben Mendelsohn decided to greet the audience in character as Director Orson Krennic:
Though the Rogue One team was mum on details regarding the film, they had nothing but admiration for Star Wars creator George Lucas for making this journey possible. "None of this would have happened without George Lucas, Edwards told the audience to great applause. He's a genius." Edwards also paid respects to another Star Wars legend: Luke Skywalker. The first time Edwards met Mark Hamill, dude was rocking a Godzilla t-shirt. Edwards, of course, directed the 2014 edition of Godzilla starring Bryan Cranston.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story stars Jones, Mikkelsen, Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed, Ben Mendelsohn, Forest Whitaker, and many more. The latest space opera in the only franchise that every really mattered hits theaters Dec. 16. Pro-tip: don't wait until the last minute to cop tickets for opening night.
