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5 Star Wars characters get epic new movie posters — but no Luke Skywalker

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Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
With anticipation for Star Wars: The Force Awakens already bubbling over, Disney and Lucasfilm have released five new posters, each featuring a character from the upcoming film. Among the characters featured are the original trilogy’s Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford). Noticeably absent, however, is Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) to complete the trifecta.

The posters fit together very nicely as a set, as each features a close-up on a character. The four whose faces are actually on display seem to express somber determination. With the Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) wearing a mask, on the other hand, it’s impossible to say what’s going on underneath. They do all share another commonality, though: Each poster obscures the right eye of the featured character. It’s unclear what the reasoning behind it may be, but it certainly makes for a striking visual across the board.

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With the new posters, fans get to enjoy a closer look at two of the beloved returning characters, as well as a few of the new ones that will be introduced in The Force Awakens. Along with Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Kylo Ren, the newest posters also portray Rey (Daisy Ridley) with her bo staff and Finn (John Boyega) with a lightsaber. We’re not seeing any obvious new clues as to what to expect when the film hits theaters, but the posters are exciting nonetheless. (click to enlarge)

The odd framing of the shots, and the lack of Skywalker (who has been absent from all trailers) once again serves to fuel rumors about just how (and if) Luke will make his appearance in the brand new chapter of the beloved franchise. Star Wars conspiracy theorists are no doubt having a heyday discussing what the new images mean to the plot — and that’s exactly what Disney and JJ Abrams want.

With the opening of the latest installment in the Star Wars franchise quickly closing in, it’s hard to imagine fans getting even more pumped than they already are. The latest trailer already inspired an Internet frenzy when it was released, and ticket pre-sales have been going gangbusters. Still, you can never underestimate Star Wars, so the best may still be yet to come.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits theaters on Dec. 18.

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Stephanie Topacio Long
Stephanie Topacio Long
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Stephanie Topacio Long is a writer and editor whose writing interests range from business to books. She also contributes to…
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