JOHANNESBURG – Star Wars fans worldwide marked Wednesday #100DaysUntilRogueOne. The upcoming film which will tie up events that occurred some time after Revenge of the Sith and before A New Hope, delivering a new perspective on the franchise itself.

Rogue One, which forms part of the Anthology series (stories told outside the galaxy, aims to delve into the backdrop of the Rebel Alliance and its spies who embarked on a mission involving the Death Star.

If you have seen the official trailer by now, here’s what to expect from Rogue One before its December release:

Who is Jyn Erso?

Following Rey (Daisy Ridley – The Force Awakens), Jyn will be the second female lead character in the film franchise as fans and pundits have already drawn parallels between the two. Both characters were separated from their parents at an early age and are comfortable being outsiders, which could’ve conditioned their headstrong, independent and tough dispositions.

Their introduction into the main plot differs as Jyn, a former criminal, was recruited to join the Rebels, whereas Rey was Force(d) into the fight of the First Order when BB-8 came rolling into her life on Jakku.

While Rey’s origins remain largely unknown, Jyn’s family is deeply mixed in a war between the Rebels and the Empire involving the construction of the Death Star (which was already seen under construction at the end of Revenge of the Sith). Actor Mads Mikkelsen plays Jyn’s estranged father Galen Erson, the scientist of the Death Star Project who is credited with alerting the rebels with a transmission about the testing of the Death Star.

An ar(Rey) of Stormtroopers

Rogue One introduces fans to specialised unit of stormtroopers who are involved in the Death Star Project. The classic fan favourite – the white clad bucket-helmet Galactic enforcers, the Stormtroopers will be joined by their colourful counterparts, the sleekly black armoured Death troopers – the elite soldiers seen in the trailer. The Shoretroopers patrol the beaches of planet Scarif – the planet where the Empire is constructing the Death Star.

Also watch out for the Emperor’s Royal Guard – dressed stylishly in their bright red armour. It’s not that hard to miss.

The orgins of the Death Star

According to Jyn’s father, Galen, he and his wife designed the Death Star for altrusive purposes…but if you haven’t watched Episodes IV to VI,

Also known as “The Ultimate Weapon”, this colossal moon-shaped space station was the Galactic Empire’s weapon capable of destroying planets with ease.

The origins of the Death Star unravels in Rogue One, especially since Jyn’s father Galen, was a scientist on the project and possesses crucial information that could come handy for both the Rebels and the Empire.

Erso-Krennic ties

As mentioned earlier, Jyn’s father worked with the Empire on the Death Star alongside Krennic but the association goes beyond the Death Star.

Krennic is the Director of Advanced Weapons Research for the Imperial Military and was placed in charge of the execution of the overly delayed Death Star project. What we do know is that the Erso family owed Krennic a favour after he saved them from kidnappers, which does mean that Krennic is forever entitled to a favour from the family.

Can it be? The return of Darth Vader

Probably the biggest spoiler alert from the film is the return of the Dark Lord himself, Darth Vader. And yes, James Earl Jones reprises his role as the voice of evil.

While it’s still unclear what role Vader will play in Rogue One, one can only hope his story will feature a more in depth transition from Anakin Skywalker to Darth Vader.

Categories: Entertainment