How Steven Spielberg, Ava DuVernay, and John Lasseter Contributed to 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'

Star Wars: The Force Awakens 3D Collector’s Edition comes out on Tuesday, and in the director’s commentary we learn that J.J. Abrams showed early cuts of the movie to some of Hollywood’s finest filmmakers, including Steven Spielberg, Toy Story‘s John Lasseter, and Selma‘s Ava DuVernay.

DuVernay suggested a small but significant change to the fight scene between Rey and Kylo Ren. Abrams explains, “This used to be where she called him a monster. Instead, we shot this, and her taking this moment of hearing The Force and thinking about what Maza told her about closing her eyes and letting her in. And, so she has the incredible internal moment, which is kind of extended in movie time.”

Lasseter suggested that BB-8 should be more animated. This led to the now famous scene in which BB-8 gives a thumbs up.

Spielberg suggested a sand explosion when Finn and Poe crash their TIE fighter. For the climatic fight scene between Rey and Kylo Ren, he asked, “What if the trees were falling all around them?” And when Spielberg wants to see trees falling in the woods, Abrams listens. A bunch of money for visual effects later and trees were falling.

Watch the cast of Star Wars: Rogue One break down their characters in the movie:

If you could improve upon any scene in The Force Awakens, what would it be? Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Khail Anonymous, on Twitter.