Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

The Force Awakens was awful, so I'm not going to get my hopes up about this one.

I give this trailer a 10/10.

The only thing missing was Darth Vader laying down the law. But honestly the first trailer is not the time to break that out.

So is that the Emperor? What is that cylinder? A cloning cylinder perhaps?

Who is the Imperial Officer in white? His rank seems to be admiral (rather than grand admiral) - so is he with the ISB perhaps?

It's so refreshing to be able to just enjoy the build up for this one without the trepidation of "will this be another phantom menace?" that I felt leading up to Episode VII.

I think this one looks great!

 Manchu wrote:
I give this trailer a 10/10.

The only thing missing was Darth Vader laying down the law. But honestly the first trailer is not the time to break that out.

So is that the Emperor? What is that cylinder? A cloning cylinder perhaps?

Who is the Imperial Officer in white? His rank seems to be admiral (rather than grand admiral) - so is he with the ISB perhaps?

It's so refreshing to be able to just enjoy the build up for this one without the trepidation of "will this be another phantom menace?" that I felt leading up to Episode VII.

I think this one looks great!

I'm right there with you buddy...

If Vader is in this flick... I'm going to lose my gak.

I think he is confirmed no?

 godardc wrote:
It is not the female lead which is a problem, of course, it is that these days, they put gay/black/homosexual/insert-a-minority-allegedly-oppressed-by-the-bad-white-mens in absolutely everything.

Look at Mass Effect 1: aliens,women, black, etc...
It 's totally ok and normal to meet a lot of different people during the Shepard's journey in the galaxy.
But in the Normandy, not all the monorities are represented.

Now look at ME3: every possible monority is represented, mexicans, black, woman who love woman, man who love man, straight...

It is not even credible...

Well, you know what, if you actually open your eyes, there is a gay or a black or another minority or *gasp* a woman (not, I should point out, a minority) in most things in real life, why not Star Wars? I don't know about computer games, so I can't actually say whether middle class white guys are under-represented in it or not, but come on, you mentioned Mexicans, blacks and gays as every type of minority, which is hardly the case.

If you want another example, it is like the power creep in 40k: during a whole version, a codex is overpowered, but then in the next, it is totaly overshadowed by another codex etc...

It is not because Hollywood didn't represented women enough in the past that it should forget men in the present.

Men forgotten in the present?!?! I'd love to see a breakdown of male vs female screen time in The Force Awakens, because whilst Daisy Ridley is clearly the lead, Dameron Poe, Finn, Kylo Renn, Han Solo et al hardly lack for screen time. I'm pretty sure Chewie is a dude too. I'd love to find out he is a she, just to see your reaction! Men were absolutely not forgotten in the Force Awakens, nor do they seem to be in this trailer. Nor will they be in the Han Solo and Boba Fett movies. You are sore because it seems women are at least close to and possibly even on an equal footing, rather than in the background.

Equality is fine, but propaganda is bad (and now everyone know Disney is actively advocating for the lgbt lobby).
It is sad to see a saga you love being used so badly.

Firstly, how is this film remotely evidence of LGBT lobbying? No lesbians, no gays, no bis, no transgender!

No film is being used badly because it has women in a position of influence. I really don't understand how you can see women have a strong role as a negative thing. I don't see it as a particular positive to the film itself - it is entirely neutral to me in terms of how it affects the quality of the film. I see it as a positive for society.

Honestly, what is actually wrong with having strong women in these films? Do you find it somehow unbelievable? Does it threaten your own sense of self as a protector? Is it a religious thing?

 Manchu wrote:
I think he is confirmed no?

I want to say that last year there was reports of Annie resuming the role of Darth Vader, with some people assuming that it was for TFA and others assuming it was related to Rogue One. I don't know if the reports of him actually playing Vader were ever confirmed, but it would make sense.

 Manchu wrote:
I think he is confirmed no?

I've only watched the trailer muted as I'm at work.

I didn't see him... is his "patented breathing" in the trailer?

He is definitely not in the trailer - but he will definitely be in the movie!

 d-usa wrote:

 Manchu wrote:
I think he is confirmed no?

I want to say that last year there was reports of Annie resuming the role of Darth Vader, with some people assuming that it was for TFA and others assuming it was related to Rogue One. I don't know if the reports of him actually playing Vader were ever confirmed, but it would make sense.

Argh, I really hope they just let Vader keep his mask on and don't use the actor for Anakin at all. Just no need, and I mean who did Vader really talk to with his mask off besides Luke? Just put someone else in the suit and don't use the actor from 1 - 3...

This trailer looked absolutely fantastic to me, especially Forest Whitaker as trainer / mentor / etc. Man oh man was that voiceover awesome!

 RiTides wrote:

 d-usa wrote:

 Manchu wrote:
I think he is confirmed no?

I want to say that last year there was reports of Annie resuming the role of Darth Vader, with some people assuming that it was for TFA and others assuming it was related to Rogue One. I don't know if the reports of him actually playing Vader were ever confirmed, but it would make sense.

Argh, I really hope they just let Vader keep his mask on and don't use the actor for Anakin at all. Just no need, and I mean who did Vader really talk to with his mask off besides Luke? Just put someone else in the suit and don't use the actor from 1 - 3...

In the same token, there really is no harm done by using the same actor either. He's just the body in the suit and doesn't take anything away from it either. The suit is the face of Vader, and James Earl Jones is the voice. For better or worse, Annie is the current actor. Just like it's the same person behind the metal of C3PO and the same guy inside of R2D2 for many many movies.

I really really really don't see Disney asking Hayden Christensen to do anything but maybe maybe some voice work or permission to use his likeness in some kind of cameo-like manner.

 d-usa wrote:
For better or worse, Annie is the current actor.

Not really. Scenes with Vader in the suit would almost certainly be done by someone chosen for their physical size, as David Prowse originally was.

 Manchu wrote:
He is definitely not in the trailer - but he will definitely be in the movie!

There is the one scene where a figure in black robes kneels down in front of a chamber of some sort with members of the Royal Guard in the room.

True, but I imagine that actor costs quite a bit, when if he's never going to take the mask off you can just have someone athletic take the role and try to forget he ever portrayed Vader

Sorry, I recently re-watched the 1 - 3 movies and greatly prefer these newer iterations so any reminder of those is unwelcome to me.

 RiTides wrote:
True, but I imagine that actor costs quite a bit, when if he's never going to take the mask off you can just have someone athletic take the role and try to forget he ever portrayed Vader

Has he actually done anything since 1-3? He might be cheap if he hasn't done much work since then .

 Manchu wrote:
I give this trailer a 10/10.

The only thing missing was Darth Vader laying down the law. But honestly the first trailer is not the time to break that out.

So is that the Emperor? What is that cylinder? A cloning cylinder perhaps?

Who is the Imperial Officer in white? His rank seems to be admiral (rather than grand admiral) - so is he with the ISB perhaps?

It's so refreshing to be able to just enjoy the build up for this one without the trepidation of "will this be another phantom menace?" that I felt leading up to Episode VII.

I think this one looks great!

The Officer in white had the same number of markings on his Uniform as the Grand Admirals, the only difference is they aren't 6 Blue on the right and 3 red and 3 yellow on the Left. Well that and his Uniform is White and Black as opposed to the full white. I'd lean towards him being a Grand Admiral, but i would really enjoy it being like the head of ISB or something.

As for the cylinder you just know what ever it is has to be important, its got TWO Royal Guard protecting it.

And those Black Armored Troopers, are they Shadow Troopers? Are they Dark Troopers? Something new altogether? The Blasters they are shown shooting certainly arent the standard E-11.

Yep, Grand Admiral for sure. The only ones to wear white tunics. My supposition is that it is Grand Admiral Yularen. He is sitting at the conference table in Ep. IV. Undoubtedly he is in charge of the project and turns it over to Tarkin, as Tarkin is less a military leader by this point and more a political apointee (Moff).

I'm going to guess the new type of Stormie is either Dark Trooper project or Shadow Trooper. Shadow Troopers were more of the spec force, where as the Dark Trooper program was intended to create a super soldier trooper and install that as the new wonder weapon phasing out Stormtroopers and replacing them with the super trooper.

 d-usa wrote:
There is the one scene where a figure in black robes kneels down in front of a chamber of some sort with members of the Royal Guard in the room.

Figure in black robes + Royal Guards = Emperor

Now that's not a foolproof formula but I'd say that is most likely the Emperor and we will get to see some of his "long term plans" taking shape in this movie.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

xraytango wrote:
Yep, Grand Admiral for sure. The only ones to wear white tunics. My supposition is that it is Grand Admiral Yularen.

Colonel Yularen wore white because he served in the ISB.

 Manchu wrote:

 d-usa wrote:
There is the one scene where a figure in black robes kneels down in front of a chamber of some sort with members of the Royal Guard in the room.

Figure in black robes + Royal Guards = Emperor

Now that's not a foolproof formula but I'd say that is most likely the Emperor and we will get to see some of his "long term plans" taking shape in this movie.

I don't think we have ever seen Vader with a hood before, so I'm guessing it's likely not him kneeling?

 VictorVonTzeentch wrote:
The Officer in white had the same number of markings on his Uniform as the Grand Admirals, the only difference is they aren't 6 Blue on the right and 3 red and 3 yellow on the Left.

That would make him an Admiral rather than a Grand Admiral. The issue is his white uniform, which could be explained by service in the ISB. An ISB officer would be a suitable villain in a movie about a covert Rebel operation.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 d-usa wrote:
I don't think we have ever seen Vader with a hood before, so I'm guessing it's likely not him kneeling?

Only time Vader wore a hood was on Mustafar before donning the mask/suit. Note: perhaps the Emperor is not the one kneeling but rather ... the one being kneeled to - i.e., he's in the cylinder.

I'm guessing they might be touching on some secret apprentice type story lines.

If Vader makes an appearance and is as brutal as he has been in the recent comics then...that would be good.

 Manchu wrote:

 VictorVonTzeentch wrote:
The Officer in white had the same number of markings on his Uniform as the Grand Admirals, the only difference is they aren't 6 Blue on the right and 3 red and 3 yellow on the Left.

That would make him an Admiral rather than a Grand Admiral. The issue is his white uniform, which could be explained by service in the ISB. An ISB officer would be a suitable villain in a movie about a covert Rebel operation.

That would make the most sense to have him just be an Admiral with ISB, the new troopers could even be an ISB program then with him as the Director.

 Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:
On the subject of Death Stars, this will be the fourth star wars film out of eight to feature a Death Star

It would be nice to have some originality once in a while.

The power of Death Stars/Starkillers is such that they warrant a state of constant pursuit. They are a galactic nuclear option that can strong arm anyone into submission. So while they are not my favorite recurring element in Star Wars, I fully understand their presence.

 plastictrees wrote:
I'm guessing they might be touching on some secret apprentice type story lines.

If Vader makes an appearance and is as brutal as he has been in the recent comics then...that would be good.

He could be an Inquisitor in Robes rather than their usual armor.

 VictorVonTzeentch wrote:
the new troopers could even be an ISB program then with him as the Director

Yeah I could see them being Covert Ops Storm Troopers under ISB management.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Do_I_Not_Like_That wrote:
On the subject of Death Stars, this will be the fourth star wars film out of eight to feature a Death Star

So your complaint is well taken with regard to RotJ and especially Episode VII ... but it's hardly a worthwhile point when it comes to this particular movie !

 Fifty wrote:


Honestly, what is actually wrong with having strong women in these films? Do you find it somehow unbelievable?

I care more about the story and so on over anything else, but when people laugh or question why people have a problem with it this springs to mind very quickly.

I find it unbelievable. I go to the gym 1 hour a day every day and so I see the fittest people of both sexes in my area everyday. The strongest women are incredibly weak physically compared to even normal guys, of course im sure in some places in the world there are some bigger women but even then compared to most men they are not all that strong. Then in this trailer I see a twig of a lady take down storm troopers single highhandedly in a fist fight... no. Just no. Even if one of those storm troopers was obese, and another was a scrawny dude they would easily be able to do anything they want with her. It would be like playing with a toy. Although I hear they let females join the storm troopers now so maybe the odds are made a bit more even? Thats just my gripe with female action leads who aren't done right. I find it incredibly cringy personally.

I mean, does nobody face palm when the lead actress looks like image below but can beat down the best soldiers in the galaxy?



Female jedi are cool like the ones in the prequel movies, because they use magic and do their thing which can limit the gender disparity. But some random human is not nearly as able to do what is depicted, especially one that looks like a pudgy twig, unless of course this lead is a super jedi like the previous one. There is a reason why the saying "dont hit a women" exists.

As for the diversity complaints I think it depends on where you live. For example I have seen less than 5 black men in my life, when we see them its a surprising thing. A fair few asians/indians but by and large its all whites and some Maoris. Movies these days in no way reflect the people I see in real life unless its an NZ made movie. But I guess thats no different from me watching a movie from India with Indians only etc. But I can see how weird it is seeing a western movie being full of people you dont see every day as a bit odd especially when they are all "Americanized", also odd considering when most countries bar the USA seem to use the demographics of the country in their movies. Unless tv shows and movies are correct and America is made up of mostly blacks, gays and middle easterners haha. When my family went to the USA a few years back I know they saw mostly white people everywhere contrary to the movies, but america is a big place so thats something a well traveled American would know.

Anyway sounds like im whining a lot but its easy to see why some people are scratching their heads. My answer to all of the above is simple, the US needs to market to as many demographics as possible. So of course it's not gonna represent reality in terms of demographic screen time. Especially if you live in a homogeneous area.

I have no idea what the guy was on about with LGBT and propaganda etc, but a few seconds of thought can explain both why some people find the casting weird and at the same time why the casting is done in the first place.

Anyway....


Anybody notice how bad movies always have trailers for trailers

Also, anybody notice the super battle droid looking thing?

So, I know Felicity Jones' character being in an Imperial Uniform is likely just her undercover, but is anyone else hoping she's actually an ISB Agent?

That would be neat...although maybe not so much if 'is she a spy?!?!' is hanging over the whole narrative.
I assume were going to touch on double agents somehow even if it's not her character.

 VictorVonTzeentch wrote:
So, I know Felicity Jones' character being in an Imperial Uniform is likely just her undercover, but is anyone else hoping she's actually an ISB Agent?

Yeah I am hoping she at least has some past working for the Empire, if not that she is a current double agent. It could be a movie about her starting out as a mole and then turning because the Empire is making a fething planet destroyer. I mean, that is a pretty unethical weapon.

Well, firstly, I meant strong character, rather than physical strength. But why are we assuming she has no "special" skills? In the books there Jedi, pseudo-Jedi, etc... It doesn't seem such a stretch.

As for the diversity issue, if we are talking about a galactic-wide film, we could assume only one race will be evident, based on where we have experienced. Maybe it is because I am lucky enough to live in London, but I'd like to think that if I grew up somewhere a bit more mono-racial, I'd still be aware that there are other races. There are quite a lot of black people in Africa, for example. If you only want to watch movies that match what you've experienced though, I am not sure how to persuade you that is wrong.

 Manchu wrote:

 d-usa wrote:
I don't think we have ever seen Vader with a hood before, so I'm guessing it's likely not him kneeling?

Only time Vader wore a hood was on Mustafar before donning the mask/suit. Note: perhaps the Emperor is not the one kneeling but rather ... the one being kneeled to - i.e., he's in the cylinder.

Yeah, I was thinking that maybe Vader would have been the one doing the kneeling, but the hood is making me very doubtful.

Wishful thinking, but maybe it's everyone's favorite Hand of the Emperor?