"Star Wars: Rogue One" is an upcoming spin-off and stand-alone "Star Wars" film. Although it is set in the same universe as George Lucas' legendary universe, it is not a part of the trilogy.
It will be directed by "Godzilla" director Gareth Edwards. Felicity Jones of "The Theory of Everything" will star in an undisclosed role, quite possibly as the young Princess Leia. However, there is still no indication that "Rogue One" will connect to the main saga.
"'Rogue One' is the title for the first film in a unique series of big-screen adventures that explores the characters and events beyond the core 'Star Wars' saga," Disney's press release stated.
"Star Wars: Rogue One" might be about Wedge Antilles and X-Wing pilots. Co-founder of the Rebel Alliance's Rogue Squadron, Antilles is the only pilot to survive both Death Star runs. Furthermore, the group has been featured in the "Expanded Universe" series which makes this spin-off more plausible.
According to "Star Wars" tradition, Rogue One was a callsign and title given to the commander fo the elite Rogue Squadron. Also known as Rogue Leader, the person holding this title is often the best active pilot in the Defense Force. The movie is set to start filming in London this summer and will be released on Dec. 16, 2016.
Concept art for the film looks a lot like "Halo" and its obvious video game influence seems as no surprise since the inspiration came from an idea by visual effects supervisor John Knoll of Industrial Light & Magic. The concept art was first shown to investors in a strictly no electronics event which prevented its leak online.
"My personal take on it was it evoked concept art of a video game. It personally screamed 'Halo' to me. It was very dark and done in greens, so it evoked the idea that it was being done under the cloak of night," Stitch Kingdom wrote. "Dozens of figures in fatigues appeared to be storming something with a strange helicopterish vehicle (open on the sides) in the background, releasing more troops."