Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens

The countdown for Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens has begun after the UK release date was brought forward.

The film will be released in the UK on 17 December, a day earlier than previously planned, meaning British audiences can see it 24 hours before fans in the US.

Trailers for Star Wars 7 have offered glimpses of characters old and new. Set 30 years after Return of the Jedi, The Force Awakens will see the return of Han Solo, Chewbacca, Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker, as well as new characters such as rebellious stormtrooper Finn, played by John Boyega, and scavenger Rey, played by Daisy Ridley.

Why is the force reawakening?
The title of Episode VII implies that the Force has gone through a long period of dormancy, perhaps because the last remaining Jedi Luke Skywalker has been lying low. One trailer reveals: "There has been an awakening… The dark side and the light." So what or who has caused the resurgence?

Some fans were treated to behind-the-scenes footage at the San Diego Comic Con, as well as live interviews with Harrison Ford, JJ Abrams and some of the core team behind the new film. The three-minute video shown at Comic Con and introduced by the film's director JJ Abrams emphasises the team's preference for using real locations and miniature models rather than green screens and computer-generated imagery wherever possible. 

We cant wait for the release - and I'm sure you cant either!