Earlier today, the first anthology film in the rebooted Star Wars franchise, Rogue One, received it’s first teaser trailer. Directed by Godzilla‘s Gareth Edwards, the film is set shortly before the events of A New Hope and follows a young rebel called Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones), who is called upon to lead a wayward band of rebel fighters in a desperate mission to steal the original plans for the infamous Death Star. The trailer has already whipped up a storm online, but what do our writers think?
“Felicity Jones looks excellent and it’s nice to see some elements of the universe that didn’t necessarily get focused on before getting some lime-light. AT-ATs look awesome (even though they still can’t aim!) and it was cool to see things like the Emperor’s Shuttle again. Still unconvinced about the sound effects, they sounded like a pre-puberty Wampa.” – Robert Pratley, writer.
“The tone is spot on. The trailer really captured the desperation of the Rebel Alliance pre-A New Hope. It looks like Rogue One is set to achieve just what fans want from these anthology films, embellishing the rich universe of the beloved Original Trilogy. And also, the final shot is just epic and a nice nod to the classic Rogue Squadron comics.” – Chris Evans, writer.
“Yes. That’s all I have to say. Jokes, I’ll say more. Rogue One looks like an awesome action packed adventure, and I’m super excited to see a different part of the Star Wars universe that has yet to be explored. Felicity Jones is an absolute babe, and I think that her character is going to do wonders for the continuing trend of strong female characters in the franchise. This film has the potential to be something great, and from the trailer, I’m feeling somewhat confident that it will live up to its full potential.” – Rehana Nurmahi, writer.
“Rogue One definitely has the potential to be the most unique Star Wars film so far, and I’m so excited to see another female lead – the trailer also passes the Bechdel test in the first 30 seconds! I’m so intrigued by the shot of Jyn with the Imperial insignia on her arm – is she merely acting as a spy or is there something else going on there?” – Sarah Corrigan, writer.
“While I was nervous about episode seven before hand, I’m so excited by this expansion of the world of Star Wars that I love. I love the fact that the world is being expanded and the trailer makes me really excited for this film!” – Rebecca James, Culture Executive.
“Star Wars franchise once again showing us how trailers should be done. If this doesn’t get you amped up then I doubt anything will. Loving the gritty, darker look and the almost cold war-esque spy thriller feel to it. Gleefully awaiting to watch Ben Mendelsohn as the big bad.” – Eddy Tesfay, writer.
“Less excited and more exhausted by the predictable anti-feminist backlash all over YouTube and social media. The desperation is palpable, but it’s still a shame that anyone has to see this sort of stuff every time a female protagonist shows up in anything other than a rom-com.” – Scott Williams, writer.
“Felicity Jones’ Jyn Erso looks like such a badass and I love her already. She has a bit of a Katniss Everdeen look about her in that final shot. I’m not entirely sure about the plot though. I feel like setting it before A New Hope is a bit anti-climactic. But ehh, what do I know? Just show me a bit of Mads Mikklesen’s mysterious character and I’ll be on board regardless!” – Anneka Honeyball, News Editor.
“I’m super stoked. I’m very excited for more big-screen cinematic universe building – the Han movie will, I’m sure, work, as long as they don’t cast any of the shortlisted options, but in the same way as Fantastic Beasts, I’m just excited to see exploration of new characters in new snatches of time. Felicity Jones really reminds me of someone and I can’t put my finger on it, but I’m hopeful for her and the rest of this cast and Lucasfilms’ continued commitment to diversity in the name of actual realism. Also, if Diego Luna is playing Kes Dameron and we get to see him on the silver screen I might actually start weeping in the cinema.” – Millie Cassidy, Features Editor.
“I love Felicity Jones! Following on from her role as sweet Jane Hawking in The Theory of Everything, she’s obviously taking on a darker role here – but looks to be performing it just as spectacularly! Hopefully she can continue Star Wars’ recent success with female protagonists!” – James Barker, writer.
“Jones is a fabulous choice for the lead role, and the whole piece carries an air of urgency and desperation (as a dissident political group might feel when presented with a hyperweapon over seven times the area of the UK). But what’s most exciting is the minute details that make the post-Republic era menacing and unfamiliar; the slightly primitive head of the AT-AT and the austere lines of those Shadow stormtrooper helmets speak of utter repression under the Palpatine administration. I pray they make this a darker rendition of the Star Wars universe, in my opinion that’s the trick Abrams missed in The Force Awakens.” – Oli Polhill, Live Executive.
“The trailer looks good, I really like the dark tone that it suggests. From this early glimpse, Forest Whittaker seems like he’ll make a pretty badass villain. But galactic samurais? Nah.” – James Chadwick, writer.
“Bar the incessant dying seagull call, I’m all on board. Gareth Edwards has come up with great visuals in the past and he seems to be continuing the trend here. Those death star shots are certainly impressive.” – Harrison Abbott, Culture Editor.
“I was originally very skeptical but now, I’m hyped!! There’s so much you can praise so far: its dark tone, realist mise-en-scene, a stellar cast, the fact this will apparently be the first Star Wars film WITHOUT any focus on the Jedi (which I’m all for, let’s give the Rebels a chance to shine!!). Felicity Jones looks amazing as Erso and its great that both Diego Luna and Riz Ahmed (who has come a long way from Four Lions and Nightcrawler) have been cast as lead characters. I’m just so pleased for Gareth Edwards – he’s said that Star Wars was what inspired him to become a filmmaker. 16th December can’t come any sooner!” – Sean McDonnell, writer.
The Verdict: There may not be any Jedi’s about, but the force is still strong with this one. We love Felicity Jones already and we’re excited – though, clearly not as much as the trailer’s over-enthusiastic sound-mixers…
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will hit UK cinemas on 16th December.
