Usually, when big events such as Comic-Con or this weekend's Disney D23 Expo happen, some exclusive footage is shown and those who were unable to attend are left to scour through descriptions and discussions of it. But in an age where everything leaks despite studios' best laid plans, it's good to get out ahead. Case in point? The new look at Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker that played on Saturday and got a big reaction in the hall is now officially online for you to enjoy.
It's a nod to the past before launching into the present with Rey and co, a grace note celebration of all that has come before, soundtracked with Luke's narration from the first trailer. The new footage kicks in at the 1:13 mark, featuring Rey, Finn and the gang approaching a desert town, a shot of Leia (with director JJ Abrams repurposing unused Force Awakens material to make sure Carrie Fisher has a presence), resistance ships jumping out of light speed, squaring off against what looks like a whole lot of classic Star Destroyers, Rey and Naomi Ackie's Jannah in a cockpit. There's C-3PO with glowing red eyes, a giant red beam slicing into a planet's terrain, Rey being nifty with her lightsaber, Kylo Ren on his way to a clash with her atop a ship crashed in stormy seas (which has been given a space background on the new poster below), and the showstopper – a cloaked Rey unlatching a double red lightsaber. A hint of darkness to come? Or a total fake-out? We'll find out...
Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker hits UK cinemas on 19 December.