'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story': Plot featuring Darth Vader, others explained

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Lucasfilm

"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" is the first "Star Wars" spin-off film and will kick-start the "Star Wars Anthology" that will include a Han Solo prequel film and more. A new report from JoBlo now gives some insight into what fans can expect from "Rogue One," including confirmation that Darth Vader will play a pivotal role in the film.

According to the report, Darth Vader will be in the movie more than expected. It was widely speculated that Darth Vader may only make an appearance through monitor screens and holographic messages but it now appears that the iconic villain will appear in person throughout the film.

"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" is set prior to "A New Hope" and will tell how the Rebel Alliance got the Death Star plans. With that in mind, the report points out that the film will feature a new kind of TIE Fighter and will also involve AT-AT walkers, walking tanks that were pivotal in the opening sequence in "The Empire Strikes Back."

Along with new TIE Fighters is a new kind of Storm Trooper. While "The Force Awakens" introduced baton-wielding troopers like FN-2199, popularly referred to as "TR-8R," this prequel film will introduce troopers dressed entirely in black and will be called "Death Troopers."

The report also states that the film will introduce a new droid, one which is said to be a "scene stealer" akin to BB-8. This droid is a bipedal robot with thin, long arms and legs but is significantly different from C3-PO. The droid is said to originally be from the Empire but was re-programmed to serve the Rebels.

Lastly, the report states that one of the key characters is named "Cashen," although this spelling may be altered to "Kashyn" or "Kashen" to keep it in line with the style of the "Star Wars" universe. It is also unclear which of the characters this name will be bestowed upon.

"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" opens in theaters this Dec. 16.

News
Texas holds day of prayer in wake of devastating flash floods
Texas holds day of prayer in wake of devastating flash floods

A day of prayer was observed across Texas on Sunday as the state continues to respond to devastating flash floods that have killed dozens, including a number of children who were attending a Christian summer camp. 

Is a 'quiet revival' really taking place? Shock new study findings suggest Christianity may be in retreat
Is a 'quiet revival' really taking place? Shock new study findings suggest Christianity may be in retreat

The challenge before the Christian Church is both stark and clear: to understand and engage a new generation if it is to have a future. 

What was the Welsh Revival and why should you know about it?
What was the Welsh Revival and why should you know about it?

The Welsh Revival of 1904 was anything but quiet, leading to the worldwide Pentecostal and charismatic movements. This is the story …

Church bombing in Syria is 'not sectarian conflict but persecution'
Church bombing in Syria is 'not sectarian conflict but persecution'

A deadly suicide bombing at a Damascus church on Sunday June 22 has reignited urgent calls for global recognition of the ongoing persecution of Syria’s religious minorities.