‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ Leaks Confirm A New Returning Villain And A Fitting End

It seems Disney is being far less secretive with Rogue One: A Star Wars Story than it has been with its cousin, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, because leaks and teasers have regularly given fans more to glean about the Rogue One plot. That practice continues, as ABC prepares to air a new trailer later this month, but, even before that, director Gareth Edwards has revealed the return of a villain almost as infamous as Darth Vader, himself. Adding to that revelation, the ending for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story has already been teased and may involve the return of more than a few characters from Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.

Popular Heroes And Villains Drive Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Rogue One director Gareth Edwards was recently talking with USA Today about a power struggle within the evil empire of the Star Wars universe, when it seems he inadvertently teased the return of another famous villain. He was speaking directly of Director Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) and the charisma that has helped him to rise through the ranks as a working class military prodigy, only to be stopped by a glass ceiling that separates him from the educated commissioned officers above him.

“[Krennic] hits a brick wall in the hierarchy where they won’t let him in the club and it’s going to turn into a them-or-us situation: either Krennic or Tarkin and the others,” said Edwards.

The fact that Gareth specifically mentions Grand Moff Tarkin, previously played by Peter Cushing in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, suggests that fans can expect to see that seemingly heartless villain in Rogue One. Since Edwards made this revelation, fans have been excited to see Tarkin and Darth Vader, who will again be voiced by James Earl Jones, together again.

How Will Rogue One: A Star Wars Story End?

Ultimately, we know how Rogue One will end. The plans for the Death Star must end up in the hands of the rebels to be passed along by Princess Leia through R2D2 and, as The Week has revealed, there is already rumors that Leia will be seen at the end of Rogue One. There’s even speculation that this will somehow lead to a future for Felicity Jones’ Star Wars character.

Some say Princess Leia will only be seen in a very minimal sense, dressed in her classic white gown and passing on the Death Star plans to her favorite droid. This, of course, would be the very last scene in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, tying in directly to the opening scenes of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.

There’s further speculation that the shot would then fade out to the outside view of the Tantive IV vessel, as it attempts to escape the Imperial Star Destroyer.

As the December release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story draws closer, the theory that Jyn Erso (Jones) is the mother of The Force Awakens‘ Rey (Daisy Ridley) is drawing greater attention. Many fans are holding fast to the idea that Rogue One will open up a future for Jyn that includes her giving birth to Luke Skywalker’s daughter, Rey.

Further proof of this theory has been cited in the recent trailer, which utilizes John Williams’ “Force Theme” piece. That music has also doubled as Luke Skywalker’s theme, and for that reason, Star Wars fans speculate that it indicates a connection between Luke and Jyn Erso.

While that particular Star Wars concept seems to have appeal to a great many fans, others aren’t quite so keen on the idea, pointing out that there’s a 15 year age difference between Luke and Jyn.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story debuts in theaters on December 16.

[Featured Image by Disney Studios/Lucasfilm]