J.J. Abrams and Lucasfilm have done a wonderful job of keeping "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" tightly under wraps to this point. But with just a few short weeks to go until the film hits theaters, Abrams is peeling back the curtain just a bit, openly discussing some of the more mysterious characters fans have yet to see. In a recent interview with Empire Magazine, Abrams talked Andy Serkis' Supreme Leader Snoke and Lupita Nyong'o's Maz Kanata. Here's what he had to say about the former:
"He was critical in the seduction of Ren to the dark side. He is a hugely important part of the story and will continue to be."
We knew that Adam Driver's Kylo Ren was a dark side force user, but we did not know that Snoke was instrumental in his transition to evil. We also didn't know that Kylo Ren started out (more or less) as a normal person who then chose the dark side path. That should make the relationship between the two characters more than just your run-of-the-mill evil tyrant and his right-hand man. It may also tell us something more about Ren's origins.
As for Maz, "Star Wars" fans have been pouring over footage from the trailer that showcases her pirate castle. Eagle- eyed viewers have already discovered direct nods to previous films in the flags and artwork that adorn her lair.
"She has been a smuggler for a long time and has been running this watering hole for a thousand years," Abrams said. "She is the sort of barkeep you go to for help."
There had been rumors that Maz was a good guy, but Abrams has now confirmed that the space pirate is indeed on the right side. This makes more sense as to why our new generation of heroes would go to her for assistance. It's possible that her advanced age has given her some special insights into the Force.
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" will finally hit theaters on Dec. 18.
