A Beginner's Guide to Star Wars: The Force Awakens

After years of waiting, moviegoers everywhere are about to return to a galaxy far, far away. Yes, the day has finally come...Star Wars: The Force Awakens has arrived.

• How we got here:

In October of 2012, Disney purchased Lucasfilm and the Star Wars franchise from George Lucas. Almost immediately afterwards, the company announced its plan to produce Episodes VII-IX. Three months later, J.J. Abrams was named the director for Episode VII. In April 2014, Abrams introduced the film's cast, mixing actors from the original movies with a new group of young actors. Filming took place during the summer of 2014.

• The plot:

Set 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi, the seventh installment in the space saga picks up in a similar situation where things left off. The Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire are still at odds, only this time, they call themselves the The Resistance and the First Order. During the decades of fighting, The Force, the Jedi and the Sith have become myth. Now, a new generation of heroes has to save the day as the First Order prepares a weapon more devastating than the Death Star.

Meet the cast of Star Wars: The Force Awakens 

• Who's new?

There are several featured characters to focus on: two of them fighting for The Resistance and a villain for the ages. 

• Rey: We first meet Rey on the desert planet of Jakku, doing what she does best: scavenging through wrecked Star Destroyers. This is her way of life and really all she's ever known…but that all changes when she meets a Stormtrooper by the name of FN-2187. Nothing is known about Rey's family except she is waiting on Jakku for their return.
• FN-2187 (Finn): Finn was born and raised to be a First Order Stromtrooper, however, it's not necessarily what he wants to do or be. He acts on this desire to leave the First Order when he saves the life of Poe Dameron, a key member for The Resistance. Like Rey, Finn's past is a mystery.
• Kylo Ren: A commanding general of the First Order, Kylo Ren is the only one of the new characters who is Force sensitive and able to use it. He is obsessed with hunting down Luke Skywalker…and fulfilling a promise made by Darth Vader to destroy the Jedi. He learned the ways of the Dark Side from Supreme Leader Snoke, who leads the First Order.

Star Wars: Then & Now 

• Who's back from the original trilogy?

Han Solo, General (Princess) Leia Organa, Chewbacca, C-3PO and R2-D2 all return for the latest adventure as they battle against the First Order. Joining them is everyone's favorite Corellian YT-13000 light freighter, the Millennium Falcon, as well as the preferred battle ships for the good and bad sides, the X-Wing fighters and Tie-Fighters. 

• Where is Luke Skywalker?

Everyone is asking this question...including Mark Hamill. Something has happened which has driven Luke away from his family and friends. Finding the last known Jedi is the driving force behind everything that occurs in The Force Awakens. But have no fear, all will be revealed by the end of the movie, which sets everything up for future installments.

• What's next?

Star Wars: Episode VIII will be released on May, 26 2017, just 525 days away...but who's counting?

Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Premiere