The final trailer for J.J. Abrams'
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker was released late last night, and while the footage was mostly well received, several moments did seem quite similar to things that were detailed in some supposed plot leaks that found their way online a couple of months back - and they were highly divisive.
We're not going to be too specific about
potential spoilers here, but we will point out certain shots that are reminiscent of what's been outlined in those leaks, so if you'd rather go in knowing as little as possible it might be best to skip this trailer breakdown.
If you're okay with a few hints and teases of what's to come, though, be sure to take a look - you might come across something you missed!
Simply click on the VIEW LIST (ONE PAGE) button below!
Rey of the Jungle
The trailer begins with shots of Rey running through the jungle (if the leaks are accurate, this is a planet called Ajan Kloss), and the helmet (notice the blast shield?) she drops along with the little orb following her would seem to confirm that she is honing her Jedi skills for another inevitable face-off with Kylo Ren.
If the rumors of a year-long gap between films is true, expect Rey to be
very powerful when we see her again.
"No One Does..."
As we cut to Rey leaping through what could well be the ruins of the Death Star, we hear voiceovers from the franchise's new leads. Finn and Poe appear to be giving hopeful, rousing speeches, but Rey's words are a little more introspective and... dare we say, dark?
The young Jedi seems to feel that none of her friends or mentors really know her deep down, but perhaps her Dark Side nemesis does. Was Kylo lying about Rey's parents?
The Resistance
Here we get a wide shot of what appears to be a post-battle Resistance meeting. It looks like Poe is commanding attention (is this where he delivers his "good people" speech), with Lando Calrissian and C-3PO the only recognizable characters in the crowd.
There's no sign of Finn or Rey, which suggests they've already embarked on their respective missions at this point.
General Rose
We know Rose Tico was promoted to General after the events of The Last Jedi, and it looks like she may now be leading her own regiment. Lieutenant Connix and Dominic Monaghan's still unnamed character stand behind her, and all three look a little uneasy.
Kijimi?
This stunning shot may give us our first look at the ice-planet known as Kijimi, where our hero's encounter the mysterious Zorri Bliss.
At this point in the trailer we also see some shots of Star Destroyers rising from the ice, which obviously suggests that this was an old Imperial base of some description. Could this be where The Emperor has been hiding out and hatching his plan?
A Sinister Throne
Speaking of the returning Palpatine, here is our first look at what's believed to be his throne.
The design is actually based on a piece of concept art for the original trilogy from the legendary Ralph McQuarrie, and the lighting would seem to confirm that this sinister seat - and The Emperor hismelf - will be found in the same icy location as those Star Destroyers.
New Ship
Our first look at a brand new Star Wars vehicle.
It's difficult to tell who's piloting it, but given the location, we assume the craft is being used by Rey (and Finn?) to travel out to the ruins of the downed Death Star.
Finn Is Not Happy
We then get another shot of Rey and Kylo Ren's lightsaber dual, and this intriguing glimpse of Finn from what is almost certainly the same location (Jannah can also be seen in the background).
Does he interject himself into the fight? Why does he appear to be so distraught/furious here? We know Rey and Ren wind up inside the structure itself at some point, so perhaps Finn is reacting to them falling through it.
"One Last Look..."
This moment from the trailer that had everyone reaching for the hankies is probably not what you might think (we're pretty sure C-3PO is safe), but it may confirm something else from the leaks.
We see Babu Frik tinkering with the iconic droid's circuits, presumably just before his eyes go red.
We won't go into too much detail here, but lets just say good ol' Threepio may be about to become a lot more proactive.
Orbaks
These horse-like creatures are known as Orbaks, and it looks like Finn, Jannah and their crew are using them to traverse one of the gigantic Star Destroyers - presumably pre-takeoff.
This sequence most likely takes place just before Finn confronts Rey and Kylo.
Round 2...Fight?
Rey and Kylo Ren stand face-to-face in the ruins of the Death Star throne room, but only one of them has ignited their weapon.
Are they about to continue the battle, or is this a sign that they've agreed to join forces? Something tells us an ancient evil is about to be the deciding factor.
The Dagger
Here's the shot that has everyone talking.
Although it looks like Kylo and Rey are working together to destroy the structure holding Darth Vader's helmet, we reckon the latter simply got the better of an exchange and drove her opponents lightsaber into the plinth along with her own.
You'll notice a dagger of some sort is clearly visible in Rey's left hand. Without getting into it, the leaks mention a Sith Dagger as being integral to the plot.
Space Horses
A different angle of Finn and co. racing into battle on The Orbaks, and.. wait, are they in space? Ummm, this may take some explaining.
Our First Look At Palpatine
Although the full reveal will most likely be saved for the movie, here is our first over-the-shoulder look at Emperor Palpatine.
It looks like he's actually moving towards Rey in this shot, which might indicate that he was forced to built himself some sort of mech suit-type contraption to help him get around after the events of Return of the Jedi. Being incinerated will tend to limit one's mobility, after all.
"... Always"
We get one final shot of Rey with an almost hopeful look on her face, as we hear Luke Skywalker tell his apprentice that the force will be with her.
Leia gets the "always," and we're gonna need a minute.
Thanks to
Empire and
/Film for the screenshots.