Not such a 'hunk of junk'! Fans get first close-up look at the Millennium Falcon ahead of Star Wars Episode VII
It made it's welcome return in the maddeningly short trailer for Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, which is out next year.
However fans have now been given a close-up glimpse of the iconic Millennium Falcon, which features on the cover of the latest issue of Fortune magazine.
The aircraft, which was previously dubbed the 'fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy', stands dramatically behind Disney CEO Bob Iger in the shot.
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Impressive: Fans have been given their first close-up glimpse of the iconic Millennium Falcon, which features on the cover of the latest issue of Fortune magazine
The impressive ship first appeared in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, where it was piloted by Han Solo, portrayed by Harrison Ford, and Chewbacca.
According to Entertainment Weekly, the image of Iger was taken in New York, while the Falcon was photographed at Buckinghamshire's Pinewood Studios, and the two were later combined.
Enthusiasts of the film were recently sent into a frenzy of speculation at who could be behind the sinister disembodied voice at the end of the 88 second trailer.
But Andy Serkis soon put the speculation to rest, revealing that he was the man who declares: 'There's been an awakening. Have you felt it?' ending with: 'The dark side and the light.'
Cryptic clues: Enthusiasts of the film were recently sent into a frenzy of speculation at who could be behind the sinister disembodied voice at the end of the 88 second trailer, which was later revealed to be Andy Serkis
A force to be reckoned with: The dark figure - rumoured to be played by Serkis - picks up a revamped lightsaber in the Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer
The British actor, best known for his motion capture performances in films including The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy and Planet Of The Apes, has provided a few more cryptic hints about the forthcoming film - to be released next December.
'I can say I only play one character,' Andy told Entertainment Weekly in a new question and answer session,' dismissing speculation he had been cast in a multitude of roles. 'That's not true at all,' he said.
And as for that gravelly statuesque voice, it was digitally unaltered, according to Serkis: 'That is the character,' he said. 'There’s no digital manipulation. That’s just me.'
Although, unlike the alter egos of actors Daisy RidleyJohn Boyega and Oscar Isaac, Serkis's mysterious character has not yet been named.
Hooded figure: Serkis' voice breathes, 'The dark side and the light' as a cloaked figure stalks through a darkening forest
Andy would also not reveal whether he would be seen on screen or through performance capture.
'I can’t say a single thing about that. I'm sorry!' he laughed. 'These things will all come out in the fullness of time, I promise.'
Then there's the character himself. Judging from the voice, he sounds weary and wise. Has Andy's alter ego been involved in some harsh action in the galaxy over the years?
'I have to be very careful about how I answer these questions,' he said cagily. 'The character... he’s been through some stuff.'
Aside from the background noise of droids and the iconic Star Wars score, Serkis' voice is the only one featured on the trailer.
New cast member: Daisy Ridley as seen in the recent trailer on what appears to be the planet of Tattooine
Sweating Stormtrooper: John Boyega plays a character called Finn as seen in the trailer
Break a leg: Harrison Ford injured himself during filming the new movie
'[Director J.J. Abrams and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy] told me, "You’re all over the trailer," but I didn't know what that meant,' Andy revealed. 'I thought, "Oh great, they’re using the voice of the character I play for the trailer. That’s fantastic." Not thinking what that would actually translate into.'
The new film, which picks up 30 years after the events that took place in Return Of The Jedi, sees the return of Star Wars original cast members Harrison, Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) and Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) along with Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca and Anthony Daniels as droid C-3PO.
Ford had a slightly more tricky return to the franchise - breaking his leg when a door on the Falcon malfunctioned.
'I talked to him about it, and it was all dealt with very seamlessly, so it’s all cool,' Serkis recalled of the incident, although he was not present at the time. 'He’s fully recovered now. And he came back pretty quick.'.
With a fresh outlook, a young, visionary director and the return of its original stars, anticipation has been steadily building ever since wheels started turning on plans to add three further films to the Star Wars galaxy.
With a fresh outlook, a young, visionary director and the return of its original stars, anticipation has been steadily building ever since wheels started turning on plans to add three further films to the Star Wars galaxy.
Keeping silent: J J Abrams is behind the camera of the new Star Wars film - and is pictured here on set
The whole cast: This picture was released before filming commenced showing the cast and director JJ ready to go through the script
Close-up: The aircraft was previously dubbed the 'fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy'
In fact the trailer, released the day after the U.S., Thanksgiving holiday, has become the most watched movie preview of all time, racking up 40 million views around the globe in its first three days.
And with an intensely secretive set, it's unsurprising that production team had to keep on their toes to stop any details leaking out.
'People were flying drones over the walls to see what’s going on,' the actor recalled. 'The secrecy is not about wanting to withhold from fans. 'It's about not wanting to spoil anything for anyone.
'The expectation is massive, and nobody wants to ruin it in any way. I think that’s right. No one wants to, by saying the wrong thing or being misleading, you don’t want to dilute it.'
The actor also debunked rumours from various Star Wars blogs that he would be 'leading a group of unbelievably athletic and acrobatic motion capture characters.'
'I'm not leading a band of gymnasts or acrobats,' he laughed, adding that he had not heard the rumour that the title of the movie would be The Ancient Fear.
'No, no, it’s always just been called Episode VII to this point,' he revealed. 'Then I knew it was called The Force Awakens. It’s very pertinent.'
Original return: Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford in the original Star Wars: A New Hope
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