The second (well, third if you count the terrific "teaser") trailer for "Rogue One: A Star Wars Wars Story" was unveiled this morning in the U.S. on ABC's "Good Morning America" (and on the web for fans to pour over):
I am super excited to see this movie.
This will apparently be the final theatrical trailer, but I would expect additional content to surface leading up to the movie's Dec. 16 release.
HOW WE GOT HERE...
"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" is the first attempt by Disney/Lucasfilm to "Marvel-ize" the "Star Wars" franchise by creating what they refer to as "anthology" movies.
This isn't part of the main "trilogy structure" of the series. "Rogue One" takes place during the period of time leading up to "Star Wars: A New Hope", and is the story of a ragtag group who unites to steal the plans to the original Death Star (led by Jyn Erso, played by Felicity Jones).
The story is based on a concept by John Knoll, who is the Visual Effects Supervisor and Chief Creative Officer at Industrial Light & Magic.
If you are a SW fan, you might remember Knoll in the terrific documentary "The Beginning" included with the "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" DVD. He has also appeared in other "Star Wars" docs, and various other "making ofs" focusing on ILM's work.
This is a fun video from April showing Knoll (and the rest of the visual effects crew for "Rogue One") watching "fan reaction" videos for the movie's teaser trailer:
For years, I saw his brother Tom Knoll's name whenever my copy of Adobe Photoshop 5.5 was opening up. That is because both Knolls created the software (thanks guys!)
Chris Weitz ("About A Boy") and Tony Gilroy ("The Bourne Identity") worked on the screenplay. The film was directed by Gareth Edwards, who directed 2014's "Godzilla."
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
There has been some interesting production news about "Rogue One" over the past few months.
Earlier this summer, rumors were swirling about reshoots taking place, which unleashed a wave of concern among fans across the internet.
This "Entertainment Weekly" article from June talks about the reshoots (which sources at LucasFilm said had been pre-scheduled): http://www.ew.com/article/2016/06/03/rogue-one-reshoots
There were rumors suggesting over 40 percent of the movie was being reshot (false) and that Christopher McQuarrie (who wrote and directed "Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation") had been brought in to direct those reshoots (also false).
Disney CEO Bob Iger has referred to "Rogue One" as "an experiment of sorts," and a profile of Felicity Jones in the "The Hollywood Reporter" suggests some $30 million was spent on the reshoots: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/felicity-jones-rogue-one-reshoots-937569
In addition, composer Michael Giacchino (who has collaborated with J.J. Abrams on numerous projects) was brought in to replace Alexandre Desplat (an Oscar-winning composer who has worked on various scores -- including music in the "Harry Potter" franchise).
According to reports, the reshoots prompted the change as Desplat was unavailable to do the work: (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/star-wars-rogue-one-replaces-929387)
I loved Giacchino's work on the "Star Trek" reboot movies, and think his musical stylings are well-suited to the "Star Wars" franchise.
But the reports -- taken in total -- have created head scratching among fanboys about this new adventure in a galaxy far, far away.
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
I have no idea how the movie will compare to last year's "The Force Awakens." But the storyline sounds intriguing, and the visuals look stunning.
Each of the trailers up until this point have presented new bits of information, and the kid in me (who grew up playing with "Star Wars" action figures) loves seeing visuals of AT-ATs surrounded by sand and palm trees (they are AT-ACTs in "Rogue One" because these models include a dedicated cargo bed for construction sites):
Tonally, the movie looks to have a far grittier and more militaristic vibe than its predecessors. But "the force" appears to provide a spiritual undertone to Jyn Erso's heroic journey, which has been key to the "Star Wars" franchise.
The main unknown is how fans will react to a movie that doesn't feature familiar characters (although, Darth Vader is set to make an appearance).
I'm excited to see something different, and look forward to experiencing a different take on the "Star Wars" universe.
As is the case with any new "Star Wars" trailer, YouTube is filled with oodles of "fan reaction" videos.
One of my favorites is by self-proclaimed "Geek Priest" Father Roderick Vonhogen of the Netherlands:
This won't be the only "anthology" movie in the "Star Wars" saga. A young Han Solo movie is set for release in 2018.
But first things first...
As the release date edges closer, you can count on endless buzz and a full-on marketing blitz in support of "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story".
I will be here to talk about it all...
Dec. 16 can't come soon enough!
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