If you're a Star Wars fan, you couldn't have missed the second trailer for The Force Awakens, released about a week ago. Also, you surely saw the official posers and some stunning promo art.
Undeniably, the trailer was received with great enthusiasm. However, don't believe that until December 18th - which is the release date, but you knew that already - news will stop coming from official or, well, less official sources.
In fact, some new bits of info have already emerged courtesy of Badass Digest. And a most interesting speculation has made its way online via The Hollywood Reporter. Check out below!
Star Wars factions change names
In so many words, it's like this: the battle continues, but Episode VII - The Force Awakens will see the parties changing names.
And it's like this: the Galactic Empire becomes The First Order, and the Rebel Alliance will be named the Resistance.
Thus, Finn (John Boyega), Rey (Daisy Ridley), Poe Dameron (Oscar Issac), Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Leia (Carrie Fisher), R2-D2 (Kenny Baker), C-3PO (Anthony Daniels), Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) and, of course, Han Solo (Harrison Ford) will be once again fighting for freedom, aiming to restore balance in the universe.
There's been some talk about the new name of the Rebels' party. Some believe it's really not that inspired, but in my opinion is quite suitable. Yes, the notion expresses the eternal struggle against an iffy status quo that must be put away in order to restore balance.
The First Order does seem statelier, hinting at a primary authority what draws its power from a fundamental act. But I don't see how the Resistance doesn't do right by the Rebels.
Ok, so that's that. What's even more interesting comes next.
The Force Awakens will set a new box-office record
Well, that's what they say. The Hollywood Reporter claims The Force Awakens "will get the widest release ever, meaning at least 4,500 locations in North America".
This means Episode VII will outclass both last year's The Avengers (by far, the most successful box-office hit so far) and, most likely, its sequel, Age of Ultron, to be released May 1st.
In the long run - they quote Contrino here - "It's in the same spot as Avatar, which played and played and played ["¦] Force Awakens will hit $1 billion without blinking. If it’s really good, it could cross $2 billion".
What do you guys think about this? Is this whole name changing move a good thing for the franchise? And will The Force Awakens set a new box-office record? Have your say below!