April 14 (UPI) — The first teaser trailer for the next entry in the “Star Wars” saga, “The Last Jedi,” was released Friday during a special panel dedicated to the film at “Star Wars Celebration” in Orlando.
Presented by franchise stars Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Mark Hamill and newcomer Kelly Marie Tran, along with writer-director Rian Johnson and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, the footage begins where “The Force Awakens” left off with Rey (Ridley) training with Luke Skywalker (Hamill).
As Rey is seen getting acquainted with the Force, clips of Finn (John Boyega), Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and droid BB-8 are shown along with an epic space battle.
“I know only one truth, it’s time for the Jedi to end,” Hamill is heard saying.
The live-streamed panel also featured discussions on what fans can expect in “The Last Jedi” along with the first look at a new poster for the film that features Rey holding up a lightsaber with Luke Skywalker and Kylo Ren in the background.
“We go deeper into Rey’s story,” Ridley shared during the panel. “Rey has a certain expectation as to what she wants from Luke.”
“Finn definitely stood up for himself and caught in an injury to the back. He’s recovering…. He’s not playing this time,” Boyega said of his character following the events of “The Force Awakens” which left him injured following a fight with Kylo Ren.
In terms of the villainous First Order, Johnson explained that despite the destruction of Starkiller Base, the group will be continuing to try and conquer the universe. “They’re making some big moves. Things are gonna get dire,” Johnson said.
“Star Wars” celebration continues Friday with a special tribute to Carrie Fisher from Hamill that will broadcast live starting at 5:30 p.m. EST.
On Thursday, the event hosted a special star-studded panel to celebrate the 40th anniversary of “Star Wars: A New Hope” which opened in theaters in May of 1977. Creator George Lucas paid tribute to Fisher alongside the late star’s daughter Billie Lourd.
“The Last Jedi” arrives in theaters Dec. 15.
