It’s been months since fans have seen any major updates from Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Disney unveiled behind-the-scenes footage of Episode VIII at their annual D23 event on Saturday, and we here at FANDOM have analyzed it frame by frame.
“Rian [Johnson] has written a story that’s unexpected but right,” actress Daisy Ridley (Rey) voices in the featurette. “Some of the stuff that happens people are going to be like, ‘Oh my God!'” she adds, right as a shot of the late Carrie Fisher (General Leia) is shown.
Fisher finished filming her scenes for The Last Jedi before her untimely death in December, and producers have confirmed that she will not appear in Episode IX. Is the “Oh my God” moment Ridley referring to the death of Leia? Only time will tell.
Here’s what we did learn from the footage.
Lots of creatures
The Last Jedi will include a menagerie of fantastic creatures — created via CGI and practical effects. There’s a giant mammal with droopy ears that resembles a rabbit, and a fox with what appears to be crystal fur. There’s also a wide-eyed adorable addition.
“Star Wars is so cool because there’s all these creatures,” exclaims newcomer Kelly Marie Tran, who plays Rose.
Finn is back
At the end of Episode VII: The Force Awakens, Finn is left gravely injured after a fight with Kylo Ren. We see plenty of shots of Finn up and about; it looks like he and Rose will have many adventures together, including masquerading as officers of the First Order. He’s also still wearing Poe Dameron’s jacket.
Under the sea
Part of the action will take place underwater. A large pool with a greenscreen is seen in the behind the scenes footage. Whether the underwater scene will be as extensive as the ones shot for Episode I: The Phantom Menace — which featured an entire underwater city — remains to be seen.
Lots of Leia
General Leia seems to have plenty of screen time. She’s seen meeting Laura Dern’s new character, the purple-haired Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo. Leia is also seen leading some type of Resistance meeting, and Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill share an off-camera moment. It’s unclear if Leia and her brother Luke will share anytime on screen.
Casino Royale
A new set — a lavish casino — is featured. Many alien attendees appear to be playing table games and sipping cocktails.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi opens in theaters December 15.
