The first footage from Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be screened in 30 cinemas across the US and Canada from Friday.
Described as an “early 88-second tease” for JJ Abrams’ debut instalment in the long-running space saga, the clip has been widely been reported to be the first trailer for the movie. Abrams’ production company Bad Robot tweeted a handwritten note from the film-maker, which read: “A tiny peek at what we’re working on - in select theatres. Hope you enjoy, and have a most excellent Thanksgiving.”
THANKSGIVING pic.twitter.com/46811BgWiF
— Bad Robot (@bad_robot) November 24, 2014
The official Star Wars site revealed the “tease” would arrive in cinemas around the world this December, suggesting it could debut as early as Monday. It also appears likely the footage will appear online, with studio Disney no doubt keen to avoid poor quality leaks from over-zealous fans recording on mobile phones.
The Force Awakens will see Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford returning to the classic roles of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo from the original Star Wars trilogy. New cast members include established stars Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, Max von Sydow, John Boyega and Andy Serkis, who were all confirmed by studio Disney in April, as well as British newcomers Daisy Ridley, Pip Andersen and Christina Chong. Abrams’s film is due for release December 2015.
In other Star Wars news, Slash Film reports a spin-off movie being directed by Godzilla’s Gareth Edwards will centre on a team of mercenaries recruited to steal the plans for the first Death Star. The film will reportedly be set during the timeline of 1977’s Star Wars, whose denouement saw Luke Skywalker’s et al attempting to destroy the Death Star with the aid of a stolen blueprint.
Slash Film also reports the main character in Edwards’ film could be introduced in The Force Awakens, and also suggests the Millennium Falcon could play some part. News of the spin-off was first revealed in May. Edwards will direct from a screenplay by his fellow Brit Gary Whitta, who wrote After Earth and The Book of Eli.
