Star Wars: The Force Awakens Trailer Takes Us Back to Tatooine!

The wait is over! The first trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens is finally here and it takes us back to where it all began nearly 40 years ago with the release of the original Star Wars. The trailer takes place on the dry, desert world of Tatooine, where we first met young Luke Skywalker. It's also the planet where we met his father Anakin Skywalker in the first prequel film, The Phantom Menace, and therefore I suppose it's only fitting to return to it for the start of the new trilogy. While Luke, Han, or Leia are nowhere in sight, I'm guessing that Luke's still living on Tatooine and that he gets a much welcomed visit from the other two. Seriously, who wouldn't love to see Han Solo returning to the Mos Eisley cantina after all these years? With the Milennium Falcon flying over the desert to end the trailer, it seems like it might just happen. I can't wait to see those guys back in action!

First of all, I'd just like to say that I'm really excited for the new Star Wars. You might even say that this trailer has rekindled my great love for the series, which has somewhat declined over the last several years. While the trailer itself didn't totally amaze me, I can't help but be ecstatic about the film's potential. The trailer may not show all that much, but it does introduce us to the series' new main characters, beginning with John Boyega (Attack the Block) looking panicked in a Stormtrooper outfit. I imagine his outfit is a disguise, but that's unclear at this time. If he is in fact a Stormtrooper, it's obvious that he's not a clone of Jango Fett. However, by the time the original trilogy takes place, Stormtroopers were being recruited and no longer being cloned.

The next human character we see is played by Daisy Ridley, who may be the daughter of Princess Leia and Han Solo. She's seen urgently riding off through the desert on some big, clunky-looking hover vehicle. On closer inspection of the above picture, it appears that there's some sort of weapon attached to her vehicle. It looks like it may possibly be a lightsaber attached to a staff. Though in the next shot, it's not there at all, and neither is the harness that had to secured to the vehicle. Possible continuity error or is director J.J. Abrams teasing us, knowing that we're going to analyze every single frame of this trailer? Could she actually have a lightsaber in her possession? Will she in fact be a jedi? I guess time will only tell.

Next up is Oscar Isaac's character who is seen piloting an X-Wing in the iconic Star Wars cockpit shot. The Inside Llewyn Davis star looks to be a part of the rebel alliance, and I'm guessing he will be the primary protagonist in the The Force Awakens.

The last new character shown is the film's villain, who draws his lightsaber in the dark, snowy forest. Clearly he's a member of the Sith, but as we know, they always come in two. Is this the apprentice, or is this the master? Could this be the character that is narrating the trailer? Also, what's with that lightsaber? Not only does it have a horizontal crossguard, presumably to protect the wielder's hand from being cut off in a duel, but its blades look erratic and unstable, making it unlike any lightsaber we've ever seen. It'll be interesting to see how this crossguard attachment will be utilized in lightsaber duels in the film.

As you can surmise, the teaser trail provides far more questions than answers, but in doing so, it has at least certainly peaked my own curiosity. It has been confirmed that Andy Serkis is the voice of the narrator, though the Sith we see may actually be played by Adam Driver. This leads me to assume that Serkis will be playing the Sith Lord, while Driver will be his young apprentice who is featured in the trailer. All I really know for sure, though, is that this Sith would make one heck of a lumberjack with that thing.

They saved the best part of the trailer for last with a beautiful and awe-inspiring shot that follows the Millennium Falcon as it maneuvers through the atmosphere of Tatooine and dodges fire from enemy TIE fighters. It's a brief but breathtaking moment that brilliantly captures the excitement and wonder of Star Wars, while giving us a taste of what's in store for us next December. As John William's legendary Star Wars theme kicks in, I instantly felt as though I was being transported right back into the midst of the beloved series. That shot alone gives me confidence that the movie is going to be a smashing success.

I had initially anticipated appearances by the original stars, but in hindsight, I think this approach is best as it introduces the new characters without overshadowing them. After all, these characters are the future of the series. As much as I'm eager to see Luke, Han, and Leia again, I'm now hoping the Star Wars team saves their return for the final film and keeps them out of any future trailers. Let's not spoil the thrill of our jedi master's return. Seeing the Millennium Falcon is enough to know they're still around and to get us all giddy with excitement. Star Wars is back, ladies and gentlemen! I will try my best to contain myself, but I'm not making any promises! Thanks for reading, my young padawans, and may the Force be with you!