J.J. Abrams reveals a few 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' secrets at Celebration

While the new teaser will grab all the attention, director J.J. Abrams did reveal a few interesting bits of information during the Star Wars Celebration panel on The Force Awakens in Anaheim earlier today.

Abrams and Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy started the panel by talking about how they got involved with Lucasfilm. Kennedy did admit that it was hard to get Abrams on board. But once Abrams actually sat down to talk with her, he “couldn’t say no.” He had really wanted to do something different after the Star Trek movies, but there was no way a Star Wars geek could turn this down.

Later, during a short Q&A from pre-selected fan questions, Abrams was asked if they consider pleasing fans during the making of the film. While of course they hope to please everyone, “the opportunity far outweighs the risk” that they would disappoint us, he said.

It was also important for Abrams that the film keep things “real” with practical effects. Even though ILM still hasn’t worked their magic on the movie yet, Abrams noted that the movie is made so that it would make sense without the effects.

Abrams also revealed that the desert planet we saw in the November teaser was not Tatooine. Instead, it’s a new planet called Jakku.

There was also a quick discussion with the R2 Builders who worked on The Force Awakens. They rolled out the real R2-D2 that we will see on screen, as well as the BB-8 ball droid. When Mark Hamill said that it BB-8 was really built, that seemed hard to believe. But it really was. The droid was fully functional and rolled onto the stage.

New stars Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac and John Boyega also made appearances. They play the three main new characters in the film. Ridley’s Rey character is a loner and scavenger, while Finn is in danger and is sent on a mission. Isaac said his Poe Decameron character is “The best freaking pilot in the galaxy.” When he meets Finn, that sets the movie in motion.

Four Star Wars veterans also came on the stage. Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Anthony Daniels and Peter Mayhew posed for a picture with the new cast. Harrison Ford was not in attendance, but Kennedy assured fans that he is recovering from his plane crash.

“Harrison is the only person who can make an emergency landing on a golf course with two doctors,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy also said that the Star Wars: Force For Change charity raised $6 million for UNICEF and those efforts will continue.

You can check out the full new teaser right here. The Force Awakens hits theaters on Dec. 18.

screenshots from Star Wars YouTube video

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