It’s a good time to be a Star Wars fan. A new trilogy of films was announced, and it’s said to be set in a previously unexplored corner of the galaxy. There will be a Han Solo film out next year. Most importantly however, “The Last Jedi” arrives in theaters on Dec.15! This article will tell you what you need to know heading into this highly anticipated film!

First, if you haven’t already, watch Episode VII: “The Force Awakens”!

What about Leia?

Carrie Fisher, who plays General Leia Organa, died last December. Lucasfilm has decided against using CGI for Fisher, so this will be a send-off for the character as well as a swan song for the beloved actress. Leia is confirmed to have a major role in the film. In an interview with ABC,John Boyega, who plays Finn, said the film sends her off in “an amazing, amazing way,” and that through these films “she lives forever in a sense.”

Will Episode VIII follow the basic story of Episode V: “The Empire Strikes Back”?

As one who was disappointed that “The Force Awakens” was unoriginal and took no risks, I was glad  Director Rian Johnson confirmed via Twitter that this film will not be a remake of “The Empire Strikes Back.”

Who is Supreme Leader Snoke?

In an interview with Empire magazine Snoke actor Andy Serkis said Snoke is “definitely not a Sith, but he’s certainly at the darker end of the Force.” Also, director Rian Johnson warned that we shouldn’t expect any big reveals in the sequel with Snoke, that but we’ll learn more about the villain.

Will Rey turn toward the dark side?

On Good Morning America, Daisy Ridley, who plays Rey, said “I think the thing about this film is it’s not so… the lines are less clear as to, like, good and bad…. Rey’s trying to find out about herself and about the universe, and those questions don’t entirely fall to the good, nor do they entirely fall to the bad.”

What about Luke Skywalker?

“I only know one truth. It’s time for the Jedi to end.”
These are the words Luke says in the teaser trailer for Episode VIII. Where does Luke stand? Mark Hamill, who plays Skywalker, didn’t originally agree with Johnson’s direction of his character when he read the script.

What are Porgs?

Yes, Porgs are a thing. They are native to the islands of Ahch-To, the planet that Rey finds Luke on at the end of Episode VII. They are bird-like creatures that have been featured heavily in the movies marketing. This is the biggest question: Will Porgs be the new ewoks?

Who is the last Jedi?

In an interview with The New York Times, Johnson cleared this up once and for all by saying the title referred to Skywalker, but said that there might be “wiggle room” for other interpretations.

Will it start right where The Force Awakens left off?

Yes. This is a major change from Star Wars tradition, where the distance in time between films in the main series has always been measured in years rather than seconds.

Who are Rey’s parents?

There have been many theories, from Luke Skywalker, to Han and Leia, to even Admiral Ackbar. What if Obi-Wan’s the grandfather? That question will be answered in this movie, though maybe the answers might not matter as much as fans hope.

Did Captain Phasma die in the trash compactor?

No. She will actually have a bigger role in this movie, rather than standing around looking cool.

Are there new Characters?

Laura Dern plays Vice Admiral Holdo, an officer in the Resistance, and Benicio del Toro plays a “shady character” named DJ .Kelly Marie Tran plays a Resistance mechanic named Rose, who interacts with Finn a lot during this film.

Will I get all my questions from The Force Awakens answered?

Too bad! Episode VIII won’t answer them all, even though this is the longest Star Wars movie to date, and 2 hours and 33 minutes!