Curtain rises on first 'Star Wars' film in a decade

LOS ANGELES

Hollywood rolls out the red carpet Monday for the premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," the first film in the epic space saga in a decade, and fans are frantic.

The star-studded screening of the most anticipated movie of the year will be followed by a global release starting Wednesday. It officially hits US theaters Friday.

"When we finished shooting it felt like 'Oh, it's so long until it comes out — and now we're here,'" Daisy Ridley, who plays the scavenger Rey, told AFP as the clock ticked down.

The 23-year-old British actress, in her first big screen role, is among the fresh faces joining the latest installment of the sci-fi smash hit that has a huge following around the globe.

Others include fellow Brit John Boyega who plays Finn, portrayed as a renegade stormtrooper in the trailer, as well as Oscar Isaac who slips into the skin of pilot Poe Dameron.

Much to the delight of millions, beloved veterans of the original blockbusters — Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher — will once again play Han Solo and Princess Leia.   

INTERGALACTIC TALE

"Star Wars" has attracted generations of loyal fans ever since the first film arrived in 1977, creating a signature moment in the history of pop culture.

It turned Ford, Fisher and Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) into stars overnight.

"You could say it's the themes, it's the Force, it's the lightsaber — there's just something in this that touches people, and I don't think you can summarize that," Ridley said. 

Director J.J. Abrams had the awesome task of taking the intergalactic tale created by George Lucas forward while trying to meet the high expectations of fans eager to .

"The Force Awakens" — Episode VII in the franchise — takes place 30 years after "Return of the Jedi."

But its plot remains a mystery.

"Everyone knows we keep it secret for the right reasons," Ridley said. "Even the people that really want to know about it, they want to see it in the film."

The secrecy has sparked much speculation, with Abrams promising it won't be a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Will the hero of the first trilogy, Luke Skywalker, be back? And could Rey, whose last name hasn't been revealed, be linked to the Skywalker dynasty?

As for Darth Vader, is he really dead?

"The Star Wars saga is a lot about family, the preservation of the community, and another strong theme is purpose," another new face of the franchise, Lupita Nyong'o, told AFP.

THE FORCE IS EVERYWHERE

The Oscar winner plays Maz Kanata, a motion-captured character who plays a pirate whose castle is packed with smugglers from across the galaxy.

"The Force Awakens" cast counts more women than previous renditions. Aside from Fisher, Ridley and Nyong'o, there's also Gwendoline Christie who made a name for herself in "Game of Thrones" and personifies Captain Phasma, one of the film's villains.

"The fabric of 'Star Wars' is diversity," Nyong'o said.

Amid the massive hype ahead of the movie's release, excited fans are counting down the hours, many with tickets already in hand.

Those without may be disappointed on opening night in the United States, with many theatre's already sold out.

Anticipation for "The Force Awakens" has been building steadily for months, with Disney unleashing a well-orchestrated advertising campaign of trailers and interviews with cast members that left fans wanting more.

Much more.

There is no escaping The Force in grocery stores, restaurants — and just about anywhere else.

Experts predict that products tied to the film could bring in up to $5 billion in revenue for Walt Disney Company, which paid $4 billion for Lucasfilm in 2012.

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STARRY CAST 

'Star Wars': A Who's Who

The new "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," opens in theatres this week. Here is a brief description of the main characters in the saga that takes place in a fictional galaxy. 

Original cast:

-- Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill):

Orphaned farm boy who overcomes his humble beginnings to become the greatest Jedi in the Galaxy. His role in "The Force Awakens" is unclear. 

-- Han Solo (Harrison Ford):

In the original "Star War" trilogy, Han plays a smuggler from the planet Corellia who becomes one of the great leaders of the Rebel Alliance. Ford is coming back to play the role 32 years later and will portray an older Han Solo. 

-- Princess Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher):

One of the Rebel Alliance's greatest leaders and sister of Luke Skywalker. Fischer is also returning to the screen to play an older Princess Leia. 

-- Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew):

A gentle furry character and Han Solo's partner in crime. 

-- Yoda:

Legendary Jedi Master known for his wisdom and skills with the light saber. He dies in "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi". 

-- Darth Vader: Villain and one of the most recognizable figures on "Star Wars". Though he died in the last episode, there is speculation he might appear in some form or another in "The Force Awakens." 

C3PO (Anthony Daniels):

Droid programmed for etiquette and protocol and accomplice of R2-D2 in the saga. 

R2-D2 (Kenny Baker):

Resourceful and eccentric droid known for his whistles and beeps. He has served as a mechanic for the Skywalker family for many generations.

NEW FACES 

-- Finn (John Boyega):

Portrayed as a renegade stormtrooper in "The Force Awakens" trailer, but there is speculation whether he might actually be a Jedi. 

-- Rey (Daisy Ridley): A scavenger who lives in a spaceship graveyard on the planet Jakku. Speculation is that she may be the daughter of Han and Leia. 

-- Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac):

Describes himself as "the best freaking pilot in the Galaxy" in the new film. 

-- Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie):

The 'Game of Thrones' star plays a mysterious villain in charge of the new Stormtroopers. 

-- Kylo Ren (Adam Driver):

New villain with a three-blade lightsaber who resembles Darth Vader. 

-- Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis):

Will play a fully motion-captured, computer-animated character. His voice is behind the ominous message in the first trailer: "There has been an awakening. Have you felt it? The dark side and the light." 

-- Maz Kanata (Lupita Nyong'o):

Also a motion-captured character who plays a pirate whose castle is packed with smugglers from across the galaxy. 

-- General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson):

The Harry Potter star will be in charge at Starkiller Base, one of the First Order's strongholds. 

-- BB-8:

New droid of unclear origin.