It’s arguably the most iconic film series ever released – and as the world awaits the seventh instalment, we take a look at what the newest Star Wars flick has in store

Back in 1977 a small film called Star Wars was released, changing the world of cinema forever.

Producing two sequels, three prequels and countless games and spin-offs – not to mention ultra fame for George Lucas – Star Wars is undoubtedly one of the greatest film sagas of all time. And just like Jabba The Hutt’s ever-expanding waistline, it’s only getting bigger.

Flash forward to 2014 and Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens is being filmed in the Abu Dhabi desert, ushering in a new era for the franchise and helping to put the UAE on the map, as one of the hottest filming locations in the world. And literally too, it was filmed in May – scorching.

Predicted by many to become the highest grossing film of all time, it’s been a coup for Abu Dhabi to play its part in the next generation of the Star Wars saga.

The sweeping dunes of the Liwa Desert have featured prominently in the trailers for the new film and will provide a stunning landscape for the next generation of Star Wars stars to make a name for themselves on screen.

“Shooting in Abu Dhabi was an incredible thing,” director JJ Abrams said in a recent Q&A session. “Shooting Star Wars is a Western and a fairytale… Shooting in Abu Dhabi was just that.”

So what can you expect from the new film? The internet, as always, is awash with rumours and spoilers but JJ Abrams has somehow managed to keep his cards pretty close to his chest on this one.

What we do know is that fan favourites and original stars Mark Hammil, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford will return alongside lovable characters Chewbacca, R2-D2 and C-3PO. But they’re not alone: new characters Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron, Kylo Ren, BB8 and General Hux have caused quite a stir already.

And we’ve not even mentioned Game Of Thrones star Gwendoline Christie (Brienne of Tarth) as the first female stormtrooper, Captain Phasma, or Lord of the Rings actor Andy Serkis (Gollum) playing Supreme Leader Snoke.

So what do we know? There has been an awakening in the force (have you felt it?) and a dastardly new drove of Dark Side dudes are out to bring order to the galaxy. Standing in their way a new breed of rebel scum are out to spoil the Empire’s party by enlisting the help of a familiar set of faces.

Other than snippets released through trailers and TV spots it’s a bit of a mystery what The Force Awakens will unleash on the galaxy until the film hits the silver screen.

The excitement surrounding the film has already reached boiling point. When advance tickets for the opening weekend were released online in October, internet servers in the US and around the world crashed – unable to cope with the surge for seats.

Needless to say the film’s Force is strong at the moment and you had better get used to it because things are just getting started. The latest film is the beginning of a ‘forever franchise’ with Star Wars films being released yearly for the foreseeable future – with Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Star Wars Episode VIII already in the works for 2016 and 2017 releases respectively.

Will the film live up to the hype? We’ll just have wait and see.

The Force Awakens is released on 17th December.

Star Wars for dummies

Not familiar with The Force? No idea who Luke Skywalker’s father is? Think Chewbacca is a type of candy for people trying to give up smoking? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Here’s a popcorn-sized plot guide to the Galaxy.

Episode I – The Phantom Menace

The Trade Federation aim to take over the planet of Naboo, but Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn and apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi attempt to save it – befriending Queen Amidala and a boy, Anakin Skywalker, in the process. Powerful Sith lord Darth Maul arises to face the Jedi and kills Qui-Gon but runs into the lightsaber of Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Episode II – Attack of the Clones 

Ten years on, a faction of political separatists, led by Count Dooku, attempt to take hold of the galaxy. Chancellor Palpatine enlists Jango Fett and his army of clones to defend the republic. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan Kenobi trains young Jedi Anakin Skywalker who loses his hand in a battle with Count Dooku. Anakin’s romance with Queen Amidala blossoms and the pair are wed.

Episode III – Revenge of the Sith 

A few years later, the Clone Wars near an end and Obi-Wan and Anakin face General Grievous who abducted the Chancellor. The Chancellor, once saved, turns Anakin to the Dark Side of The Force. Anakin faces off against Obi-Wan and is severely injured, being re-built as Darth Vader. His wife, Queen Amidala dies in childbirth and her two children, Luke and Leia, are hidden from their father who has been consumed by evil.

Episode VI – A New Hope 

Decades later, Princess Leia is held hostage on the Death Star space-station by the forces of the Galactic Empire as they attempt to take over the galaxy. Rookie Jedi Luke Skywalker, hastily taught by Obi-Wan, teams up with Han Solo, Chewbacca and robotic duo R2-D2 and C-3PO to rescue her. Following the death of Obi-Wan at the hand of Darth Vader, the Rebel Alliance launch an assault and destroy the Death Star.

Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back 

The Rebel Alliance are in hiding after feeling their base on the icy planet Hoth. Han, Leia, Chewbacca, R2D2 and C-3PO travel on-board the Millennium Falcon as Luke travels to the planet Dagobah to receive training from the Jedi master Yoda. After Han and the gang get taken hostage at Cloud City, betrayed by Lando Calrissian, Luke arrives to rescue his friends and face Darth Vader in a duel only to lose his hand and learn a terrible secret.

Episode VI – Return of the Jedi 

After recovering Han Solo from the grips of Jabba the Hutt, Luke returns to train with Yoda for the last time. Luke then reunites with Han, Leia, Chewbacca, RD2D and C-3PO to travel to the moon base of Endor to bring down the Empire who are in the process of rebuilding the Death Star. Luke faces Darth Vader for a final battle and the Rebel Alliance wrestle back control of the galaxy from the grips of the evil Emperor.

WORDS Colin Armstrong