'Star Wars: Rogue One' Release Date News: Photos Leaked Online, First Cast Name Revealed
While "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is still coming this December, fans of the epic space opera are already getting reveals from "Star Wars: Rogue One," which is the first Star Wars Anthology film and directed by directed by "Godzilla" helmer Gareth Edwards.
Just recently, The Mirror published photos out from the set of the upcoming showing aerial shots taken at London's Elstree Studios. They aren't exactly best in quality but they are the first to be revealed from the standalone film.
Stormtroopers were photographed gathering at the ramp to something that looks like an Imperial ship. The scene also seems to set place in the middle of the desert which is no shocking revelation for a Star Wars movie. The set appears incomplete—either that or others will just be added in via CG. "Rogue One" has also returned to the classic Stromtrooper look instead of the updated one from Episode VII. There are no stars shown in the photo but it's no surprise, as only one name from the cast has been revealed.
Felicity Jones is the only actor officially announced for "Rogue One" and will play the role of a rebel solider. However, according to Comic Book Resources, actors Riz Ahmed, Ben Mendelsohn, Forest Whitaker, Diego Luna and Jonathan Aris are rumored to play roles as well.
The spin-off is said to take place before the original trilogy, with Gary Whitta and Chris Weltz writing the script, which features a team of rebel pilots who are trying to steal the Death Star plans. And because the film is also taking place in the same timeframe as Disney XD's "Star Wars Rebels" series, a possibility of crossover may happen, reports Variety.
"Star Wars: Rogue One" is scheduled to be released in December 2016, while the J.J. Abrams-directed "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" will hit theaters on Dec. 18, 2015.