The first audience has finally got a peek at the hotly anticipated Star Wars spin-off Rogue One, and things are looking promising.
While official reviews are under embargo ahead of the film’s release, the crowd at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles went wild with applause as the credits rolled and took to social media to express their delight in the film about the rebels who steal the plans for the Death Star.
It’s set right before the events of the original 1977 Star Wars.
Comedian Dane Cook shared a pic on Instagram with the caption: “I just saw Rogue One. I’m gonna say it.. this might be the BEST Star Wars movie!! I can’t wait to see this again and again.”
Actors Rainn Wilson and Wil Wheaton were also quick to offer praise.
1sr Rogue One review. It was actually AMAZING!!! Super fun & exciting. Ties in w/episode 4 perfectly. #StarWars
— RainnWilson (@rainnwilson) 11 December 2016
The last time I loved a Star Wars movie as much as I loved #RogueOne, it was 1977.
— Wil Wheaton (@wilw) 11 December 2016
Chris Taylor, author of the book “How Star Wars Conquered the Universe” wrote:
Slightly longer #RogueOne spoiler-free review: heart-stopping and dark. Like darker than Empire Strikes Back dark.
— Chris Taylor (@FutureBoy) 11 December 2016
There had been some hand-wringing from fans about the spin-off film when the public learned that the production was undergoing expensive reshoots and bringing in veteran scribe Tony Gilroy to help out which the script.
Peter Sciretta, editor of the website Slashfilm.com, said that fans will be “very happy with Rogue One.” He added that it didn’t feel “neutered by reshoots.”
Rogue One is the first of three planned spin-off films set in the Star Wars universe.