We're always a little skeptical when a trailer is advertised as the "final" look at the film, but given the minimalist footage campaign for Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker, we're more inclined to believe it, even if TV spots will be flying down upon us closer to the movie's release. With that said, here it is. There's a lot to digest here, and those concerned about spoilers are probably better off waiting...
The new trailer goes all in on the action, with a massive, Return Of The Jedi–style fleet of Resistance ships assembled to take on... Well, one assumes the new First Order threat, including some very familiar big battleships. And the Jedi feelings continue through a lot of this – Billy Dee Williams' Lando, Ian McDiarmid as Palpatine (his voice, at least, and hints of more) and Daisy Ridley's Rey running through very Endor-like forests.
This is being described as the end of the Skywalker story, with Star Wars spinning off to other corners of the galaxy far, far away in future films, and other periods of time to be considered. The pressure is on, therefore, for co-writer/director JJ Abrams to deliver a satisfying conclusion. Oh, and a new poster is also online.
Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise Of Skywalker will be with us in the UK on 19 December. In the meantime, you can read Empire's world exclusive Rise Of Skywalker issue, featuring brand new images, interviews with JJ Abrams, co-writer Chris Terrio, and franchise boss Kathleen Kennedy, and much more – available in two collectible covers, and on sale now at all good and evil newsagents.
