Star Wars: New details from spin-off film revealed in Rogue One 'sizzle'

While Star Wars fans everywhere are eagerly anticipating the first trailer for the spinoff Rogue One, a few lucky people have been given a sneak preview. According to movie blog /Film, several Disney stockholders were given a glimpse of the film at a shareholders' meeting in Chicago on Thursday. (3 March)

CEO Bob Iger treated guests to a sizzle reel of new footage, as well as confirming that the events of the film will take place before the events of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.

Rogue One marks Lucas film's first standalone feature in the Star Wars saga. Starring Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed and Forest Whitaker, the movie, which follows a band of rebels trying to steal plans for the original Death Star, will be set after Episode 3 (Revenge Of The Sith) and before Episode 4 (A New Hope) in an era without Jedi.

The footage reportedly showed new styles of Stormtroopers as well as Imperial vehicles. One person in attendance gave an insight into the clip to /Film, offering a description of what viewers can expect. "Most of it was very quick. A shot of the black Stormtrooper, possibly called Death Troopers as previously reported, another pic of that same style of helmet and armor but all chrome, reminiscent of Captain Phasma from The Force Awakens, an image showed two AT-ATs that had a slightly different look with the door panel on the side of the body painted a lighter beige color. And a couple cast photos were shown, one of Felicity & Diego Luna and another of Donnie Yen. The clip featured Felicity's character on what looked like the inside of a ship or shuttle with her arm up holding on and the hatch/ramp open behind her. I wish I could remember what she said as part of the sizzle but it went by too fast," the commentator added.

Disney previously screened some very early footage from the film to fans during the Star Wars Celebration convention in Anaheim, California, in April 2015, but opted not to share the footage online.

The first trailer for Star Wars: Rogue One will reportedly be attached to Captain America: Civil War. And while Gareth Edwards's film remains shrouded with secrecy, Disney has released a cast photo.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is scheduled for a December 16 release in the U.S . Another spin-off, focusing on the adventures of a young Han Solo, is scheduled for a 2018 release.