The saga will end whenStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalkerofficially premieres on Dec. 20, but the stories live forever in PEOPLE’s special commemorative issue, on newsstands now. See exclusive behind-the-scenes photos and hear from all the stars as they share Force-shattering secrets of the final Skywalker episode.
That includes returning costars John Boyega as stormtrooper-gone-good Finn, Oscar Isaac as rising Resistance leader Poe Dameron, and Adam Driver as Ren, new Supreme Leader of the supremely evil First Order. The 27-year-old Boyega, who can be as enthusiastic as his whooping character, says, “I’ve learned so much from my castmates and people on-set.”
Abrams guided the epic finale of not just the latest trilogy that started with 2015’sThe Force Awakens(which he also directed), but of the nine episodes that began with 1977’sStar Wars —the spark that lit the fire of a global phenomenon. “The responsibility is enormous,” says Abrams, 53. He promises thisEpisode IXis “thrilling and funny and moving and shocking and frightening.”
Lucasfilm
Abrams’ crew also shared with PEOPLE how they created new droids, creatures and space ships to populate the galaxy’s new worlds. D-0, the little green-and-white droid who follows fan-favorite BB-8 like a little duck behind its mama, is a highlight. As Neal Scanlan, supervisor of creatures and droids, describes it, “D-0 imprints himself on BB-8. Wherever BB-8 goes, whatever mannerisms there are, D-0 tries to mimic. He’s the perfect little sandwich that fits between R2-D2 and BB-8.”
That thoughtful approach is seen in all of the “making of” photos featured in this special PEOPLE issue. Scanlan and Abrams are seen working with Isaac and R2-D2 alongside a new alien named Klaud, who looks like the offspring of Jabba the Hutt and a caterpillar. Extras and actors populate a new desert world, filmed in an actual vast desert. “This galaxy is so varied that you feel like it’s a very vibrant, alive place,” says production designer Rick Carter. “It’s not going to succumb to the Dark Side without resistance.”
See even more new stars, characters and secrets (what’s the deal with Snoke?!) in the PEOPLE special issue.
source: people.com
