'Star Wars Episode 7': merchandise collection release date revealed

While the worldwide fandom celebrated the official Star Wars Day on May 4, Vanity Fair released several never-before-seen characters from the upcoming film, "Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens." The images taken by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz. 

The popular photographer traveled to the Pinewood Studios to take photos of several new characters in the upcoming "Star Wars" installment, and revealed a few spoilers on the side, particularly the name of the actors who will portray some of the most important roles in the movie series. 

Based on the photographs, "Girls" star Adam Driver landed the role of the film's resident bad guy Kylo Ren. He can be seen in the images commanding the loyal stormtroopers of the First Order toward the frozen plains leading to their evil lair. 

According to spoilers, Kylo Ren is obsessed with Darth Vader, and he is willing to do anything to honor his legacy and carry on with his evil acts in the new generation of the intergalactic battle. It is not reported, however, if he will also wear a mask just like Darth Vader, or if he will just use his hooded cloak during the battles. 

Then a photograph shows Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o shooting one of her sequences in the movie. Leibovitz's captured image puts a lot of weight on the rumors claiming that Nyong'o's character will be a CGI pirate named Maz Kanata. 

Also, Oscar Isaac's Poe Dameron was photographed while hanging at his favorite X-wing fighter. He is said to have been sent on a mission ordered by a princess, who is rumored to be Princess Leia herself. 

Aside from the new "Star Wars Episode VII" images, new reports emerged saying that all the official merchandise from the film will start selling in retail stores and DisneyStore.com beginning Sept. 4. It will include toys, books, e-books, comics, as well as other collectibles. The release of the new Star Wars merchandise will be called the "Force Friday," which will be a big event to launch the said products. 

"Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens" is scheduled to premiere internationally on Dec. 18.