Last December, Disney and Lucasfilm successfully revived Star Wars and proved that there's still plenty of engaging stories to be told in a galaxy far, far away. While we'll have to wait until next year to see where Rey, Finn, and Poe's stories will go, this December's "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" promises a grittier, war-torn galaxy set right before the events of the 1977 original. It's not going to have the same novelty of being the first film in ten years, but it's laying the foundation for the future of the franchise.
Being the first film outside of the episodic adventures, "Rogue One" exists outside of the story of Luke, Han, and Leia. It's the story of a group of Rebels who band together to steal the plans of the original Death Star. Remember how pissed off Darth Vader was when him and his troops ambush the rebel ship at the beginning of "A New Hope?" He is furiously screaming at his stormtroopers to locate the plans as they are killing rebels. We're gonna meet the people that put him in that horrible mood and get the plans transmitted to Princess Leia.
Two trailers and a behind the scenes look have been released to date, and director Gareth Edwards' new take on Star Wars is shaping up to be another hit when it arrives later this year. The characters are likable and engaging, and it really does seem to have a darker vibe, much like a war movie. Without the Jedi around to save the day, I believe it'll be a much more grounded story. At its core it does still seem to feel like Star Wars though, and we've been teased with the return of a famous dark lord. But it is so much more than just another movie in the franchise; it's the beginning of a new series of spin-off movies to be released.
Lucasfilm has a new Star Wars movie releasing each year for the foreseeable future, and I believe the spin-offs will exist to keep things fresh and exciting. These anthology movies will take place at different periods in the timeline, with no sequels planned. The next movie is a currently untitled Han Solo movie, due out in 2018, and will be helmed by the directors of "The Lego Movie." Alden Ehrenreich is set to play the role of the famous smuggler during his youth, and casting rumors are currently circling the web about the actor who will play Han's old pal Lando.
"Rogue One" will be the proving ground. It has to set its own tone and truly feel different from the saga films, all while existing within the same universe and naturally weaving important characters in. It's important that films are created if they are worth telling, instead of simply milking the franchise. It seems like Lucasfilm is just getting started with Star Wars, and I couldn't be more excited. No pressure, Gareth.
