The San Diego Convention Center was ground zero on Friday for Comic-Con goers anxious to see what the “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” panel had in store.
Although director J.J. Abrams told the crowd a new trailer for the anticipated sequel won’t be ready until the fall, an exclusive, behind-the-scenes peek at the making of the film gave fans plenty of geek-out material to tide them over.
Oh, and appearances from Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill didn’t hurt, either.
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“I never thought it would come back to bless me instead of haunt me,” Ford said of his return to the beloved franchise. “I was very gratified when I read the script, because I read something that I thought was really remarkable. Well written, with some intriguing developments. So I was delighted to be involved.”
Die-hard “Star Wars” experts will also be pleased to learn the new film focuses on the use of old-school, practical effects instead of modern CGI, hopefully delivering the same visual wonder that’s dazzled audiences for nearly 40 years.
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Abrams said the throwback techniques “helped the entire process look and feel like it was on the screen, because it was.”
Hamill agreed, saying the combination of Abrams’ vision and the wisdom of returning screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan has helped mold what makes “Star Wars” such a classic for a post-millennial audience.
“Real sets, practical effects. … Nothing’s changed and everything’s changed,” he said. That’s the way you want it to be.”
“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” blasts into theaters on Dec. 18.
— Erin Biglow
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