'Rogue One': New Photos Highlight Darth Vader, Rebel Heroes

Nick Schager
·Writer
'Rogue One' cast (L to R): Riz Ahmed, Diego Luna, Felicity Jones, Jiang Wen, and Donnie Yen (Photo: Jonathan Olley/Lucasfilm)
‘Rogue One’ cast (L to R): Riz Ahmed, Diego Luna, Felicity Jones, Jiang Wen, and Donnie Yen (Photo: Jonathan Olley/Lucasfilm)

We’re less than a month away from the release of Star Wars spin-off, Rogue One. And while we’ve likely seen the final trailer for the would-be blockbuster before its theatrical premiere, a batch of new photos has arrived featuring some pre-release looks at the cast and the return of the saga’s classic Big Bad.

Cue the Imperial March! ???? Darth Vader is BACK for #RogueOne! ???? The ultimate villain is once again voiced by James Earl Jones and this time around his threat is even broader. Click the link in our bio to see 13 more EPIC new photos from the new #StarWars film! ????: Jonathan Olley

A photo posted by Entertainment Weekly (@entertainmentweekly) on Nov 21, 2016 at 12:52pm PST

Yes, among the pics published by EW.com and shared via Instagram, we get an official snapshot (above) of everyone’s favorite Sith Lord daddy, Darth Vader. The Instagram caption claims Vader’s threat “is even broader” in Rogue One than before — it’s hard to imagine how, given that we know EXACTLY what he’s up to, having seen Star Wars: Episode IV, V, and VI — but the photo does make us all the more eager to see the Empire’s famous villain back in action. There are a number of other intriguing shots (15 in all), including peeks at Felicity Jones’ Jyn Erso, Diego Luna’s Captain Cassian Andor, Donnie Yen’s Chirrut Imwe, and Jiang Wen’s Baze Malbus (see two photos below).

Meet the squad! ???? Jyn Erso takes on the journey with the blind, Force-faithful warrior monk Chirrut Imwe (Donnie Yen) and his pal and protector, the machine-gunner Baze Malbus (Jiang Wen). ???????? The odds are seriously stacked against these underdogs in #RogueOne, but we have faith in them! ????: Giles Keyte

A photo posted by Entertainment Weekly (@entertainmentweekly) on Nov 21, 2016 at 2:41pm PST

It's spy time! ???? Captain Cassian Andor, played by Diego Luna, is a veteran spy for the Rebellion who has a network of contacts throughout the galaxy. ???? Tivik, played by Daniel Mays is one of Andor's underworld connections. ???? We can't wait to see what Andor is up to in #RogueOne! Click the link in our bio to see more exclusive photos. #StarWars ????: Giles Keyte

A photo posted by Entertainment Weekly (@entertainmentweekly) on Nov 21, 2016 at 5:01pm PST

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story rockets into theaters on Dec. 16.

‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’: Watch the ‘Los Alamos’ featurette: