New set photos from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker are available, introducing some new characters to the saga. Vanity Fair as once again teamed up with photographer Annie Leibovitz for the cover story that features interviews with J.J. Abrams and the cast of the ninth Star Wars film. Check out the photos below:
Keri Russell as the masked scoundrel Zorri Bliss, seen in the Thieves’ Quarter of the snow-dusted world Kijimi.
PHOTOGRAPH BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ. Courtesy of Vanity Fair
Keri Russell‘s character has been kept under wraps since she was announced. We now know she will be playing “the masked scoundrel Zorri Bliss.” As to how she fits into the Star Wars universe, that remains to be seen.
First Order leaders General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson) and Allegiant General Pryde (Richard E. Grant) on the bridge of Kylo Ren’s destroyer.
PHOTOGRAPH BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ. Courtesy of Vanity Fair
The First Order will introduce a new figure head in Allegiant General Pryde played by Richard E. Grant. By the look of the photo, General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson) answers to Pryde.
Finn (John Boyega) and new ally Jannah (Naomi Ackie), atop hardy orbaks, lead the charge against the mechanized forces of the First Order. “It’s extremely surreal to be in it,” says Ackie, “and see how it works from the inside.”
PHOTOGRAPH BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ.
The Resistance gets a new fighter in Jannah played by Naomi Ackie, seen here with Finn (John Boyega).
Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and Rey (Daisy Ridley) battle it out with lightsabers in a stormy confrontation.
PHOTOGRAPH BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ. Courtesy of Vanity Fair
Star Wars wouldn’t be complete without a Jedi vs. Sith fight. Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) have a strong connection with each other. Expect that to grow even stronger.
Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) with R2-D2.
PHOTOGRAPH BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ. Courtesy of Vanity Fair
We’ve known that Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) will be a part of the 9th film, but what we don’t know is how much of apart he has to play.
There are many behind the scenes photos as well, but one that stands out a little more than the others. Abrams with the Knights of Ren confirms the elite group will return in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. There is also a special article outlining the history of the Knights.
The special issue comes in two covers, Rey or Kylo Ren. There are also special video features, including one that features that special connection between Rey and Kylo.
Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker also stars Billie Lourd, Lupita Nyong’o, Dominic Monaghan, Joonas Suotamo, Kelly Marie Tran, Greg Gunberg, and features archive footage of the late Carrie Fisher. Check out more of the Vanity Fair covers and behind the scenes photos below.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker debuts in theaters on December 20, 2019.
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Director J. J. Abrams sets up a shot of Daisy Ridley (Rey) in Jordan’s Wadi Rum desert, the setting for the planet Pasaana. In the desert, says Abrams, “there’s something about the way the sand interacts with the light.”
PHOTOGRAPH BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ. Courtesy of Vanity Fair
J.J. Abrams, alongside Stunt Coordinator Eunice Huthart, directs the Knights of Ren; elite fearsome enforcers of Kylo Ren’s dark will.
PHOTOGRAPH BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ. Courtesy of Vanity Fair
Camera operator Colin Anderson readies a take for a chase sequence spotlighting the heroics of Chewbacca, BB-8, and Rey.
PHOTOGRAPH BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ. Courtesy of Vanity Fair
Joonas Suotamo (Chewbacca), Ridley, Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), and John Boyega (Finn) await the call to action for a chase scene.
PHOTOGRAPH BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ. Courtesy of Vanity Fair
Jordanian locals play the Aki-Aki, natives of the planet Pasaana.
PHOTOGRAPH BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ. Courtesy of Vanity Fair
Composer John Williams conducting the Star Wars score, drawing on themes and motifs he has woven across four decades. “I didn’t think there would ever be a second film,” he says.
PHOTOGRAPH BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ. Courtesy of Vanity Fair
Daisy Ridley as Rey on the cover of Vanity Fair
Adam Driver as Kylo Ren on the cover of Vanity Fair
News Editor, Senior Contributor, and Press Editor. Coordinate breaking news, trailers and press releases. I also contribute reviews, recaps and interviews. Creator of the Indigenerd Wire, a column dedicated to the Indigenous creatives in pop culture.
GGA's resident Indigenerd, a little bit rez, a little bit classy...with a love for all things Star Wars, zombies, science fiction, and Indigenous. My ultimate goal is to start my own podcast.
