Star Wars: Rogue One's director talks openings and teases Princesses, lightsabers, and Jedi, oh my

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Gareth Edwards is busy promoting his little-known space romp Star Wars: Rogue One this week, and a few interesting tidbits have slipped through the cracks in an interview with French media – namely details of Rogue One’s opening sequence and the possible appearance of a certain princess…Gareth Edwards is busy promoting his little-known space romp Star Wars: Rogue One this week, and a few interesting tidbits have slipped through the cracks in an interview with French media – namely details of Rogue One’s opening sequence and the possible appearance of a certain princess… 

Details about Rogue One follow

StarWarsNewsNet have handily provided a translation of the interview with the Rogue One director and we now know how the Star Wars spinoff will kick things off. The prologue will “[take] place 15 years before the action of the film”, most likely hinting at the scene from the trailers featuring Jyn Erso’s father Galen, played by Mads Mikkelsen, getting a none-too-friendly visit from the Empire.

Gareth Edwards also revealed a possible big cameo through something he didn’t say. Specifically, he chose to plead the fifth and offer up a hearty ‘no comment’ when given a yes or no question as to whether Princess Leia would appear in the film.

Could whatever happens to Jyn – and the rest of her motley crew – during the events of Rogue One force (sorry) Princess Leia’s hand and record *that* R2-D2-relayed message to Obi-Wan? Now that would be a pretty nice way to tie Rogue One to A New Hope.

And, in case you were getting worried, Edwards confirmed lightsabers will be in the movie, Darth Vader’s to be precise, and that “technically yes” Jedi will appear in some way, shape or form. 

Bradley Russell
Bradley Russell

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.