"Star Wars" films recently debuted at the Shanghai International Film Festival. (Photo : Twitter)
The classic American sci-fi film franchise “Star Wars” created big buzz and gathered new fans on Sunday. Its films debuted at the 18th Shanghai International Film Festival.
A first in China, the original trilogy, "Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope," "Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back," and "Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi," were screened in a Shanghai theater.
Meanwhile, footage from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," the newest film of the franchise, was also screened. Audience at the Shanghai Film Festival also watched an interview with J.J. Abrams, the film's director.
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens," which is slated for release on Dec. 18, 2015 in North America, will star John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Daisy Ridley, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow and Andy Serkis.
Peter Mayhew, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Kenny Baker and Anthony Daniels will also reprise their roles from the previous franchise installments.
The seventh "Star Wars" installment is set around 30 years after what happened in the "Return of the Jedi," which was released in 1983.
"The Force Awakens" will be produced by Walt Disney Pictures, Abram's Bad Robot Productions and Lucasfilm, and will be distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
The film will be released more than 10 years after the premiere of the franchise's sixth installment, "Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith."
In related news, Rian Johnson confirmed back in Aug. 2014 that he will be directing the franchise's Episode VIII.
The Shanghai International Film Festival, which will run until June 21, will also feature the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy.
