Skywalker has Risen in the Newest Star Wars Trailer

During a panel at Star Wars Celebration today, Lucasfilm debuted the first trailer for Episode IX, which will officially be called Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. The movie is directed by JJ Abrams, and the trailer involves the scariest laugh since...well, the Joker trailer last week, although this one is definitely the Emperor. 

Watch the trailer and then read after the jump for some character conversation. 

It's a great trailer that teases new worlds and some of the most beloved characters of all time. Mark Hamill returns, we get a Carrie Fisher farewell, as well as Billy Dee Williams, who will reprise his role as Lando Calrissian. That's enough nostalgia to get me very excited. Other actors from the sequel trilogy — Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, Billie Lourd, and Anthony Daniels will be back to finish this epic chapter in the Star Wars universe. Senator Palpatine aka The Emperor has his iconic laugh in voiceover. Ian McDiarmid (who played the character in both the prequels and original trilogy) appeared on stage at the event to underscore the event. 

So what can we learn about character? 

Trailer drops are fun, but this one is very special. Mostly because the title reveal shows us that Luke has not fallen in vain. But outside of that, I think it underscores the power of creating a character that people love. Characters are the heart and soul of every story. For Star Wars, the characters made an original idea worthy of a dozen movies and an endless array of toys and merchandise. 

If you need some inspiration for your creative endeavors today, focus in on the character and the story you want to tell about them. Why is this struggle relatable, why do we root for them, and how can that character capture the hearts and minds of people across generations? 

Remember, character arcs need to be built from conflict. So take a look at our internal and external conflict post for ideas of the kinds of situations you can put your characters inside that will force them to arc. And don't forget about the six emotional arcs that you can use to help your screenwriting as well. 

Keep writing and let your characters come to life. 

We'll love you for it. And we'll love them forever. 

What's next? Develop your own immortal character! 

There are lots of terms thrown around when you try to write a character in a screenplay. But what sets character development apart from the pack and why is it crucial to your story? 

We've all sat down to watch our favorite TV show or movie series and enjoyed how the characters progress over time. While these arcs are confined to different time frames or throughout multiple episodes, the core of a character is within their development. Character development is the foundation of every great and memorable character, and it's something you have to master if you want to be a professional writer. 

So click the link and get writing! 

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opens on December 20th, 2019.