ROGUE ONE: The release of the Rogue One: A Star Wars Story trailer on April 7 kicks off the new Star Wars anthology film series.
By Emma Carson, Staff Writer
In early December of last year, movie production company Lucasfilm made an exciting announcement about their lineup of movies. For the next six years, there will be a new Star Wars movie each year; three will be a part of the new trilogy and three a part of the new anthology series to tell backstories of the plot and different characters. Audiences previously knew about the production of Rogue One, but now it’s becoming a reality. The trailer showcases several exciting components, including amazing actors, returning characters, another female lead, and an especially exhilarating element for many people: the nostalgia of A New Hope.
The trailer first introduces soldier Jyn Erso, who is brought into the rebel base and is initially deemed a criminal based on her record. Then the familiar face of Mon Mothma, the primary leader of the Rebel Alliance, appears on the screen to finish what is said about the young Jyn. Though the initial review of Jyn is negative, Jyn responds with what is the greatest line in the trailer and what might be the greatest line in the movie: “This is a rebellion, isn’t it? I rebel.” From this point on, the main storyline begins. Mon Mothma gives Jyn a mission, which is to be the rebels’ spy and steal the plans for the Death Star. This leads up to the story of A New Hope, in which these plans are used to destroy it.
This movie takes place prior to A New Hope, the first Star Wars movie. Many features of the trailer are designed similarly to the first movie. It’s a blast to the past, and this movie might answer some of the mysteries surrounding events preceding the story in A New Hope. Producers fixated on details from the original movie, like the rustic look of the Storm Troopers and aspects of the old rebellion. Some new designs of different troopers are introduced as well, which are intriguing as always.
All of the Star Wars movies have a dark, sinister character who maneuvers the dark side, but unlike villains like Darth Vader and Darth Maul, a new villain in Rouge One is seen sporting all white. Although there’s no proof of whether or not Darth Vader will be in the movie, this new villain’s looks fulfills the requirement for sinisterness even without the dark side.
Just from a look at the actors, it is clear how amazing this movie will be. Jyn Erso is played by Felicity Jones, who brings female power to any movie she’s in. Other currently unknown characters are played by actors such as Diego Luna and Forest Whitaker. Just by watching the trailers, the outstanding acting and directing is showcased, which will bring the film to life.
Another element that will bring the film to life is the young female hero archetype. In the original trilogy, there was Leia, in the prequels, Padme, in The Force Awakens, Rey; to add to the Star Wars women, in Rogue One, there will be Jyn. Audiences are excited to see another strong female lead take on the Empire.
One intriguing detail in this movie is the absence of light sabers and the Force. While the Force does surround characters in that universe, it isn’t used, especially in the time frame in which the Jedi are hiding. This exhibits the ultimate willpower the rebellion used and ultimately shows just how strong they are.
The Rogue One trailer opens up the Star Wars universe and fills the gaps of the original movies. The anthology films are a marvelous idea to give audiences the broader stories and to give background to anything that has been previously missed.