Just in case you haven’t heard – the world is coming undone, imperial flags reign across the galaxy, and a major weapons test is still imminent as the second trailer for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story has officially been released – airing last night during the primetime broadcast of the Olympic games on NBC and hitting the web on the official Star Wars Youtube channel shortly thereafter. If you haven’t seen it yet, watch the trailer, then hit the jump for a shot by shot trailer analysis. Whether you were left impressed or disappointed with the trailer, it’s hard to argue that the film’s cinematography is breathtaking. From the opening shot of a densely populated cityscape to the final shot of a very familiar villain, the trailer delivers a true feast for the eyes… Setting the tone for the rest of the trailer and establishing the imperial oppression that is so prevalent throughout, this opening frame of a crowded city manages to invoke familiarity, calling back to the streets of Mos Eisley in A New Hope, while also giving us something fresh and different.
Note the two four-winged imperial shuttles hovering over the city streets and what appears to be a temple of sorts, ascending to the heavens and just out of frame. Forest Whitaker’s character, Saw Gerrera, provides the opening narration for the trailer, setting the film’s tone audibly as well as visually. “The world is coming undone. Imperial flags reign across the galaxy…” – Saw Gerrera This beautifully rendered image of an Imperial Star Destroyer continues to convey the looming and overbearing presence of the Empire. What could be on the planet surface below that would warrant such a display of force? Mon Mothma tells Jyn Erso about a vital mission she has for her in the war room on Yavin IV. I just can’t get enough of these Star Destroyers. Props to the creative team behind these amazing shots as they continue to present us with very familiar visuals in new and interesting ways. I love how this one emerges from the shadow of the Death Star.
In a shot also seen in the first teaser trailer, the dish is set in place, bringing the Death Star one step closer to full operating status. Jyn Erso and Cassian Andor attempt to ease the tension as they set off on their new mission. Beggar’s Canyon ain’t got nothin’ on this place. Another gorgeous landscape, this one provides some interesting terrain that could give audiences some very exciting and rewarding scenes of aerial combat. Let’s hope they take advantage of this opportunity in the film. Baze Malbus (Wen Jiang) and his very big gun. We don’t know who he used to fight, but he is definitely fighting the Empire now, and the rebellion is no doubt very grateful to have this brawler in their ranks. Imperial oppression at its finest, up close and personal. Blind warrior Chirrut Îmwe (Donnie Yen) takes down a group of stormtroopers. “All is as the Force wills it.” – Chirrut Îmwe “The captain says you are a friend…
I will not kill you.” – K-2SO I feel like K-2SO is going to be one of the shining jewels among the new characters in the film. I can’t wait to see what he’s capable of against those that the captain doesn’t consider to be among his friends. I continue to be amazed by what they are able to do visually with what is essentially just a big gray ball. This shot is unique in that the position of the dish makes the Death Star appear to be upside down above the planet. Of course, in space there really is no “up” or “down”, but this is just something we’ve never really seen before on screen in Star Wars. And then they top it with this…the Death Star eclipsing the sun. If looks could kill, Director Krennic’s hateful glare would rival the destructive power of the moon-sized battle station from which he operates. Rebel soldiers assault the imperial beachhead as X-Wings provide cover from above. A U-Wing dropship lands on the beach as rebel soldiers are about to pour out of its belly.
Shot after glorious shot, Rogue One continues to show that it intends to live up to its promise of being a war film at heart. Jyn and Cassian narrowly escaping death on the streets of Jedha. “There is a 97.6% chance of failure.” – K-2SO K-2SO promises to be the eternal voice of optimism in the movie. In another shot seen in the first teaser, this four-winged shuttle is destroyed. Rebel pilot Bodhi Rook (Riz Ahmed) appears shaken by K-2’s pessimistic analysis of the situation. It looks like they might take full advantage of this landscape after all. As an imperial soldier, the only thing scarier than seeing a squadron of X-Wings coming straight at you… …is seeing this guy…with yet another big gun…pointed in your direction. Maze delivers the firepower…this time right to the face of an All-Terrain Armored Cargo Transport. “This is our chance to make a real difference.” – Jyn Erso Saw Gerrera responds with a grin.
What could be causing this type of destruction? Perhaps a weapons test was more imminent than we realized. This is definitely not the total annihilation of a planet like we see in ANH with Alderaan, but there’s some serious firepower behind this catastrophe nonetheless. Jumping to lightspeed…next up…ludicrous speed. “Are you with me?” – Jyn Erso A limping Jyn Erso approaches a TIE fighter on a landing platform for evac. “All the way…” – Cassian Andor And of course it ends with the money shot as Darth Vader analyzes a very retro-looking tactical display screen. What did you think about the trailer? Share your thoughts in the comments below.Feet LongFeet Tall9 FeetFeet WideLego ImperialImperial StarLego Nave110 PoundsLego GizmodoForwardThe biggest, most accurate LEGO Imperial Star Destroyer ever built More than 40,000 bricks. 110 pounds (50 kilograms). 6.62 feet long (2.02 meters). 4.1 feet wide (1.25 meters). 1.9 feet tall (58 centimeters).