San Diego Comic-Con is looming, Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker is a matter of months away, and that means one thing: Star Wars toys are coming. The sort of toys that end up being your first look at the next chapter in the Skywalker saga. Meet the Sith Trooper – a new stormtrooper variant coming to Episode IX, because new Wars inevitably means new troopers. This one’s all shiny and red – clearly from the same space-designer who kitted out Snoke’s throne room and those Praetorian Guard outfits.
Of course, it’s not just the new design that’s interesting here – there’s that name, Sith Trooper, which hints at the presence of a Sith Lord in The Rise Of Skywalker. But who? Is it connected to the supposed re-emergence of the Emperor, as teased in the film’s first trailer? Has Kylo Ren, aka Ben Solo, officially ascended to become a Sith – and not just leader of the First Order – since the end of The Last Jedi?
Don’t expect answers any time soon – but do expect lots and lots of merch. Already we’re seeing Sith Trooper scale figurines…
Black Series figurines…
Funko Pops…
and LEGO sets.
There’s a chance that we’ll find out a little more at Comic-Con between 18-21 July – and we’ll see exactly how the Sith Troopers fit into the saga when The Rise Of Skywalker hits UK cinemas this December.