SWCE: Rogue One poster, behind-the-scenes clip debuts!

The first surprise at the Rogue One panel was Gwendoline Christie hosting. The second was the poster, and the third is the behind the scenes clip we see above.

John Knoll revealed that he first came up with the idea of a the story when he first heard rumblings of the live-action series, during the filming of Revenge of the Sith. He put it away when he learned more about George’s concept for the series, and pulled it out again when the spinoffs were announced. Check out the original concept art of the team.

Director Gareth Edwards talking about meeting Mark Hamill (and later, George Lucas!) on set, barely keeping it together.

Edwards also confirmed that the beach planet is named Scarif, and later cast revealed another planet, Jedha. Apparently people make Force-based pilgrimages there – Edwards compared it to Mecca. This appears to be the market planet, and where we meet Chirrut Imwe (Donnie Yen,) Baze Malbus (Jiang Wen) and Bodhi Rook (Riz Ahmed.) Edwards had more to say on Jedha in a post-panel interview – it’s certainly an intriguing addition to the galaxy.

Galen Erso #rogueone pic.twitter.com/FALrKCx3KN

— Yakface (@yak_face) July 15, 2016

We learned a bit more about several characters, including our first look at Mads Mikkelsen’ Galen Erso. He invented something “so fantastic it might change the universe.”

"The major difference between Jyn Erso and Rey & Luke is she knows where she's come from. She's just looking for her cause" – Felicity Jones

— Star Wars UK (@StarWarsUK) July 15, 2016

Jones also got her first look at the Jyn Erso action figure direct from Christie. Here’s a closer look at her from the floor:

A much closer look at the upcoming Jyn Erso Black Series figure, due out this fall #RogueOne #SWCE pic.twitter.com/jCUj8FEUPF

— ErikDavis (@ErikDavis) July 15, 2016

Ahmed said his pilot character Bodhi works for but is questioning the Empire:

"The actions of the Empire make Bodhi question his career choice " Riz Ahmed, Bodhi #RogueOne #SWCE

— Star Wars UK (@StarWarsUK) July 15, 2016

He also got quite a few zings in. On that note, Alan Tudyk also shared what Anthony Danials said when he told him his droid was CGI: “You shit.”

Ben Mendelson called Orson Krennic “smarter” than his Imperial predecessors, and “a little sexier than some of them, not quite as sexy as some of the others,” with a wink to Christie.

Christie concluded the panel with a group selfie:

Thank you @starwars #StarWarsCelebration #RogueOne for having me moderate the panel!!!!!!!!!! It was INCREDIBLE!! pic.twitter.com/1OfcNWpLMk

— Gwendoline Christie (@lovegwendoline) July 15, 2016

And now, days later, you can watch it all for yourself!