New footage for the upcoming Rogue One: A Star Wars Story dropped on Friday and should get even the most jaded Star Wars fan excited.

Director Gareth Edwards, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and members of the cast appeared at the Star Wars Celebration Europe convention where new details of the film were shared.

The biggest reveal thus far is a promotional reel showing behind-the-scenes filming on the project. The video shows off new looks at characters such as Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones), Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) and Bodhi Rook (Riz Ahmed). In addition to interviews with cast and crew, footage includes the filming of intense action sequences, new locations, practical effects, battles, and explosions.

It’s all what you’d hope for as Rogue One will explore the rebels mission to steal the plans for the Death Star to use it against the Galactic Empire, leading up to the events of Star Wars: Episode IV.

The official Star Wars Twitter account also shared a new poster for the film, which features the raging battle which will center the film. The rebels swarm against the stormtroopers with the Death Star beautifully faded into the sky.

There’s plenty of reasons to be excited about Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The events slide in canonically with the old films yet it doesn’t feel like a retread. The story of these rebels is one we’ve been waiting a long time to be told. The film should be intense, violent and considerably darker than Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Darth Vader will even make a cameo.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is due for release Dec. 16. It’s directed by Gareth Edwards and stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed, Donnie Yen and Ben Mendelsohn amongst many others.

[The Hollywood Reporter]

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