STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS (2015): Official Poster; ROGUE ONE (2016): Cast Image; EPISODE IX (2019): Gets Director

First look at The Force Awakens official poster, cast image for Rogue One, and Director announced for Episode IX. It’s been a busy, fun time, at Disney’s 2015 D23. With the Star Wars franchise revival set to go full force (no pun intended, and ignore my waving hand, as I say that) – with a built in joint universe, all its own – and fans all too eager to put the prequels where they belong (in the past), this year’s D23 has become something of a Force Fan Mecca. Just today, at the heels of a host of leaks & official reveals, came three noteworthy unveilings.

The first was the release of the official poster for Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Created by Drew Struzan – who has been creating art for the franchise since 1978 – the poster evokes the iconic dynamics of the classic poster series – even if only one classic character is depicted. Featured alongside Han Solo (Harrison Ford), are Finn (John Boyega), Rey (Daisy Ridley), and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver).

Star Wars: The Force Awakens official poster:

With Han taking lead, Ren at her back (bringing the horde), and Finn having her back (along with the cavalry), Rey definitely gets the spotlight treatment, here. I think it is the sight of Finn wielding a lightsaber, however, which may get the most attention. As it’s not the sort of thing just anyone can turn into an accessory, I think speculation on Finn is about to get well beyond his Stormtrooper outfit (finally).

Also debuting today, the first image, of Star Wars Anthology: Rogue One, was released, formally introducing its cast.

Rogue One cast image:

Riz Ahmed, Diego Luna, Felicity Jones, Jiang Wen, & Donnie Yen. Star Wars: Rogue One

Currently, the cast includes Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Jiang Wen, Forest Whitaker, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk and Riz Ahmed; but today’s D3 unveiling revealed something else. The official logo has replaced Anthology with “A Star Wars Story” – the anthology aspect being implied, I assume.

Rogue One updated logo:

But wait- there’s more! D23 also name dropped the last Director, of the third trilogy. Following J.J. Abrams‘ helming of Episode VII, and Rian Johnson’s helming of Episode VIII, Colin Trevorrow has been tapped to helm Episode IX. If the name Colin Trevorrow doesn’t ring a bell, then maybe Jurassic World would have a certain ring to it. Say what you will, about that film, its massive success, alone, should prove encouraging enough, for Star Wars fans.

Even more encouraging: all three Directors will consult on the complete trilogy; ensuring a tighter continuity to its mythology. I’ll take that as meaning stricter standards, for the weeding out of planet sized plot holes (no in-house shield generator, for “fully operational” Death Star 2.0) & face-palm inducing mascots (Ewoks, and Jar-Jar, and things that go Yub-Nub in the night).

Leave your thoughts, on these latest Star Wars developments, below, in the comments section. For more Star Wars photos, videos, and information, visit our Star Wars Page, our Star Wars Google+ Page, subscribe to us by Email, follow us on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, or “like” us on Facebook for quick updates. Star Wars: The Force Awakens will be released in US theaters, through Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, on December 15, 2015, with Star Wars Anthology: Rogue One scheduled for December 16, 2016, and Episode IX expected sometime in 2019.

Sources: CBR/ SpinoffOnline (1, 2, 3)