On November 28, 2014, fans eagerly awaited the trailer for The Force Awakens, marking the return of the Star Wars saga after a decade. Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm heightened excitement, leading to record-breaking views. The trailer showcased new characters like Rey and Kylo Ren, along with nostalgic visuals of the Millennium Falcon. Despite its initial success, including $2 billion in global earnings, later films left many fans disillusioned, raising questions about the franchise’s future after the conclusion of the trilogy.
A Historic Return to the Galaxy
On November 28, 2014, fans around the globe held their breath in anticipation. After a decade-long hiatus, the Star Wars saga made its grand return with the release of The Force Awakens. This day marked a significant moment as fans eagerly awaited the debut of the film’s first trailer, akin to a long-awaited prophecy.
Following Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm, the excitement surrounding the seventh installment reached fever pitch with the unveiling of its inaugural visuals. As the clock struck 4 PM, the trailer dropped worldwide, igniting an unparalleled wave of exhilaration.
In no time, it shattered viewing records and was dissected across various media platforms. The trailer opens with a smooth fade to black, revealing a vast desert landscape.
The Force Awakens
A haunting voice breaks the silence, intoning, “Something has awakened. Have you felt it?” The scene then cuts to a stormtrooper, portrayed by John Boyega, who appears visibly distressed without his helmet. Following this, we catch a glimpse of a small droid that resembles a soccer ball, zipping across the screen.
Next, we meet Rey, played by Daisy Ridley, the franchise’s new heroine, confidently navigating her speeder. The action intensifies as we are introduced to Poe Dameron, brought to life by Oscar Isaac, piloting his X-Wing. Fans felt a rush of nostalgia as they witnessed the iconic ship gliding just above a shimmering body of water.
Then, we are introduced to Kylo Ren, portrayed by Adam Driver, who ominously draws his distinctive red lightsaber, complete with a crossguard. This innovative twist on the classic weapon thrilled fans, as they were reminded of the formidable Darth Vader. With a blend of style and menace, Kylo Ren emerged as the new villain of the trilogy.
But the excitement didn’t stop there! The legendary Star Wars theme music swelled as we were treated to breathtaking shots of the Millennium Falcon—the beloved spacecraft of the series. Fans can still recall that electrifying moment, feeling the nostalgia wash over them as they watched the iconic ship soar through the stars.
The trailer culminates with the striking appearance of the Star Wars logo, accompanied by John Williams’ iconic score. The title “The Force Awakens” appears on screen, leaving audiences in awe. The magic of Star Wars had returned, igniting hope for fans that the beloved saga would once again captivate audiences with the same emotional depth as the original and prequel trilogies.
In the lead-up to its official release on December 16, 2015, several additional trailers were shared, further stoking public interest. The return of Star Wars was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, as The Force Awakens grossed an astounding $2 billion globally. In France alone, the film, directed by J.J. Abrams, attracted a remarkable 10.5 million viewers.
However, in retrospect, many fans found themselves disillusioned with the film, a sentiment that deepened with the subsequent releases of The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. The latter marked the conclusion of the saga and remains the last Star Wars film to grace theaters. In the wake of this finale, uncertainty looms over the franchise’s future on the big screen, especially with the impending departure of Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm.