Ryan Shank is a junior telecommunications and history major and writes "Why you always Ryan" for the Daily News. His views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper. Write to Ryan at rjshank@bsu.edu.
With a new "Star Wars" movie being Disney’s Christmas present to the world for the perceivable future, the in-film universe is rapidly expanding and difficult to keep track of.
Where does this movie take place in the "Star Wars" timeline?
"Star Wars" is known for jumping around its timeline when coming out with films, for example the first film released in the series was intended on being the fourth episode and the seventh episode was the next film released after the third. With all this skipping around, it’s not always common sense where the next film in the series is in the timeline. Despite "Force Awakens" being released a year ago, "Rogue One" has little to do with the plot of that movie. Instead, it takes place almost immediately before the events of the original "Star Wars" film, now referred to as "Episode 4: A New Hope." In case you have been living under a rock, this movie is about stealing the plans to the Death Star, which propels the plot of "A New Hope."
Is this like a typical "Star Wars" film?
If the trailers tell us anything, it’s that this movie will have a dramatically different tone than the previous installments. While it will have its lighter moments, the film promises to be a much grittier look at the "Star Wars" universe than we’ve seen before. From what we’ve seen so far, we know there will be no Jedi to help the heroes in this film. This means it will be closer to a war film than a space opera like we are used to. The new director, Gareth Edwards, is known for previously directing monster films, such as the 2014 reboot of "Godzilla" and 2010’s "Monsters." Whether he will throw a monster in this film remains a mystery, but with "Star Wars'" track record with including different alien monsters, I wouldn’t count it out.
Characters
Even the most devout "Star Wars" fans have trouble keeping all of the characters straight from time to time with the "Star Wars" galaxy expanding so rapidly. With that being said, Disney has chosen a handful of previously established characters to appear in their new release, not of all of whom, have the wide recognition of Darth Vader or Yoda.
Mon Mothma has already appeared in several trailers and appears to be the person who sends our heroes on their quest. She was originally introduced in "Return of the Jedi," but has since been included in several episodes in the "Clone Wars" animated television show. She is a galactic senator turned rebel leader, who planned the Rebel attack on the Death Star II in "Return of the Jedi." For "Rogue One" she is played by Genevieve O’Reilly, who was originally slated to play the younger Mon Mothma for "Revenge of the Sith," even going as far as to record her scenes, before they were ultimately cut from the film.
 |
|---|
Another senator turned rebel that appears in this film is Bail Organa. He is played by Jimmy Smits, who previously played him in "Revenge of the Sith." In that film, Organa, an outspoken senator and ally to the Jedi, helped Obi-wan and Yoda after Order 66. He and his wife, the queen of Alderaan, adopt Anakin and Padme’s daughter Leia, giving her their last name and princess status. Bail also shows up in a handful of "Clone Wars" as senator and "Rebels" as a leader of the newly founded Rebel Alliance.
Unlike the previous two characters who show up in the films, Saw Gerrera has only so far been seen in the "Clone Wars" animated series, with "Rogue One" being his first film appearance. Much older than he was in the television show, he is played by Forest Whitaker and is one of the core team of heroes in the film.
In the "Clone Wars," Saw Gerrera was a part of the Onderon Rebels who fought against the confederate occupancy of their world. In the show, his Onderon Rebels were helped by Anakin Skywalker, Obi-wan Kenobi and Ahsoka Tano. His tactics were said to be border line terrorism. Whether or not he has changed since "Rogue One" is yet to be seen, however we do know at some point he lost one of his legs, having it replaced with the robotic one seen in the trailer.
Shanks for reading.
Read More
Tickets for ‘A Conversation with David Letterman and Caitlin Clark’ are sold out
By Staff Reports / 14 hours agoA stand-by line for tickets will be available the night of the event, Dec 2.
A new business in Muncie offers resources to try meditation
By Shelby Anderson / 17 hours agoMeditate Muncie is a space to learn meditation techniques to cope with stress.
Ball State ends regular season on a loss, eyes next weekend’s MAC tournament
By Daniel Kehn / YesterdayBall State Women’s Volleyball (20-9, 15-5 MAC) was unbeaten in 10 matches — even winning 28 consecutive sets. Western Michigan (17-12, 13-5) ended both streaks at Worthen Arena.
