I grew up watching Star Wars over my brother’s shoulder, always interested but never quite the diehard fan. When Star Wars: The Force Awakens rolls into theaters December 18, though, I plan to make a point of showing up to see the highly anticipated reboot. In fact, the advance ticket sales for The Force Awakens crashed Fandango, so I’m definitely not alone there.
With three trailers out, we’re starting to get an idea of what to expect from Disney’s first foray into the beloved franchise, which they bought in 2012 – a move met with a fair amount of outcry from long-standing fans. But listen, y’all. Set 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi, The Force Awakens is looking like a amazing blend of old school George Lucas and new school JJ Abrams (yes, there will be lens flares) with – wait for it – a feminist twist? I’m stoked.
The Force Awakens appears to have a female protagonist and her name is Rey. The character is a breakout role for actress Daisy Ridley.
“She is a scavenger in a ship graveyard and she is completely self sufficient — she does everything for herself — and very solitary,” Ridley said at the Star Wars Celebration expo in Anaheim earlier this year. “Until she meets another character, and an adventure begins.”
An independent lady doing independent things and then going on an adventure? I heartily approve. Also, Lupita Nyong’o plays a mysterious character named Maz Kanata and Adam Driver plays Kylo Ren, a villain who will be carrying on the legacy of classic Star Wars evildoer Darth Vader. Other stars include Gwendoline Christie from Game of Thrones playing Captain Phasma and Simon Pegg (?) playing…..someone! But really, casting on point.
A lot of people hated the computer-generated-effect-filled Star Wars prequel trilogy that came out in the early 2000s, but director JJ Abrams has promised us that won’t be the case with The Force Awakens. He used actors in alien suits, real sets, and other “practical effects.” The notoriously crotchety Harrison Ford is reprising his role as Han Solo. Ditto for Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia. Chewbacca will also appear in all his furry glory.
Let’s end by gazing at the movie poster. Only two more months to go, Star Wars BUSTies! Stay strong! Re-watch the classics in the meantime! Ponder how glad you are that we have passed the Hayden Christensen era of this franchise (dark times, dark times).
Images via Disney
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