New 'Force Awakens' trailer offers the most details yet

Posted Friday, November 6, 2015 at 8:53 AM Central
Last updated Friday, November 6, 2015 at 10:31 AM Central

by Tim Briscoe

For all the marketing, toys, trailers, and promotion we've already seen for next month's Star Wars: The Force Awakens, we know little of the film's plot. We know the setting and several of the characters but writer/director J.J. Abrams and crew haven't given us much more.

Today a new international trailer has been released by Disney Japan. I think it's safe to say it offers us the most insight into plot points than ever before -- even if it's vague. The trailer is similar in structure to the most recent American version but with new footage and dialogue. Take a look:

Right now you should be hearing big, bad spoiler sirens in your head. I'm going to examine the trailer and jump to some grand assumptions. They may or may not spoil your enjoyment of the final film.

The framework almost everyone already knows by now. It's been about 30 years since the fall of Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader when the Rebellion blew up the second Death Star over Endor. The Empire has scraped along, a shadow of its former self. The latest resurgence, known as the First Order, is lead by a dark Sith Lord (or Sith Lord-like persona) Kylo Ren and military types Captain Phasma and General Hux. The Rebellion is now the Resistance, lead by Leia Organa and fighter pilot Poe Dameron. The circumstances of Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Luke Skywalker seem to be up in the air. Heck, we haven't even seen Luke yet. Two newcomers, Rey and Finn, seem to be aligned with Han and Chewie.

The rest of the details come directly from this trailer. Rey's story is parallel that of Luke in the first Star Wars film, AKA A New Hope. She's a loner on a barren planet with a longing for something greater. She encounters a cheerful droid on a mission. From there she meets Finn, a First Order stormtrooper with some serious identity issues. That's when the fun begins.

I'm a bit apprehensive to put into words the next events. Once you've watched the trailer with a mindful eye, it seems obvious. Rey is alone. Rey meets Finn. Rey and Finn meet Han and Chewie. Rey/Finn battle with Kylo Ren. Rey is left crying over a body.

In the immortal words of Jar Jar Binks, "Yousa thinking yousa people ganna die?"

There's also the issue of family. Rey specifically mentions it in the trailer. Does the Luke parallel hint at Skywalker lineage?

Of course these theories could be completely wrong. Abrams is famous for his misdirection. This trailer may be a red herring to mess with the minds of fanboys like me. (It worked, J.J. It worked.)

We'll all find out next month when Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits theaters. It technically opens on the 18th but midnight showings hit on the 17th and some overseas theaters will get it a day earlier.