Thanks to IGN’s Eric Goldman, we have a look at some of the chatter on the box of The Force Awakens’ stormtrooper action figure – and our first hint at the status quo going into the new film.
Relevant quote and a tiny bit of analysis below the cut…
Yet the tyranny of Imperial rule sparked rebellion, and and the stormtrooper legions were scattered in the aftermath of the Empire’s fall. Now, the rise of the First Order ushers in the next chapter in the stormtrooper’s legacy as a new era of ruthless brutality begins.
This tells us two things – the Empire did fall, at least in some fashion, and that the First Order is both a revival and fairly new on the galactic scene.
The remaining mysteries: Are there other remnants (the ‘scattered’ legions) of the Empire out there? Who are they aligned with? Will we see former Imperials on both sides?