EPISODE IX: WHAT WE LEARNED

The most enticing tidbits from Vanity Fair’s massive Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker cover story

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Threepio has an “expanded role” in this film, with Anthony Daniels confirming he does something that will take audiences by surprise. “You have no idea,” he teased. Daniels also revealed his first line contains the phrase “Common Emblem”. Could that refer to a First Order insignia? Or an old Empire decal? Or Mickey Mouse ears?

RUSSELL, REVEALED

Keri Russell is playing masked badass Zorri Bliss, who bears a resemblance to Episode

II bounty hunter Zam Wesell. A denizen of the Thieves’ Quarter on the snow planet of Kijimi. That she boasts a name similar to a good-hearted, masked marauder — Zorro — might suggest there is good in her. Or she could be just another mercenary shitkicker.

YES, RICHARD E. GRANT IS A BADDIE

Unsurprisingly, Richard E. Grant is revealed to be playing a Tarkin-esque First Order meanie with the sublime monicker Allegiant General Pryde. Rumours that Grant is playing the father of Domhnall Gleeson’s Hux are unsubstantiated. In the grand tradition of on-the-nose Star Wars names, expect Pryde before a fall.

THE KNIGHTS ARE BACK

The Knights Of Ren, operating separately from the First Order, are confirmed to appear. They can be seen with Kylo Ren in the teaser trailer — though Vanity

Fair printed, then recanted, the suggestion that Kylo was fighting

against them. As ever, the answers only prompted questions.