An exclusive report from Vanity Fair gave "Star Wars" fans the first real look at Adam Driver as the villain Kylo Ren, as well as confirmation that Gwendoline Christie is playing the Chrome Trooper, Captain Phasma. Keen-eyed fans have also noticed that the report gave the first real glimpse at the character portrayed by Lupita Nyong'o.
According to the report, Nyong'o will be playing a character named Maz Kanata and will be brought to life on the silver screen via motion capture technology, the same technology used for Gollum in "The Lord of the Rings" and Ceasar in "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes."
Indie Revolver posted a new concept art photo revealing what Maz Kanata looks like. It is speculated that the character may be a sort of spiritual successor to Yoda since the latter passed away during the events in "Return of the Jedi." Others, on the other hand, speculate that she is a pirate, working in a trade similar to the mob formerly run by Jabba the Hut.
The report from Indie Revolver also points out that Maz Kanata is very barely seen in the film's most recent trailer. There is a scene in the clip where a hooded figure hands a female an old lightsaber, and many fans speculate this is Luke Skywalker giving his lightsaber to Daisy Ridley's Rey.
However, upon further inspection, it is possible to discern that the hooded figure is not Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker. A face profile is noticeable at the edge of the screen and Indie Revolver speculates this to be Maz Kanata. It is possible that she was able to retrieve Luke's lightsaber after Darth Vader chopped his hand off during "The Empire Strikes Back."
"Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens" opens in theaters nationwide on Dec. 18.
