'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' plot news: Harrison Ford sneaks into screening; J.J. Abrams talks about deleted scenes

Harrison Ford, the actor who famously portrays Han Solo, snuck into a "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" screening in Sydney, Australia. Nobody recognized him as he sat down for 10 minutes during the movie, according to Australian website BMag.

Ten minutes into the film, Ford stood up in the IMAX theatre and he told the audience to expect even more action from the movie.  

As he left, the 73-year-old actor told the surprised fans, saying, "Let's make a deal – don't tell your friends what you've seen here today."

After his surprise showing, Ford headed to his scheduled appearance at the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" fan event at the Sydney Opera House. He was welcomed by almost 3,000 "Star Wars" fans on the red carpet. 

Ford admitted that he decided to reprise his role as the popular space smuggler because of the script and the director.

"I never anticipated coming back thirty years later to do another ["Star Wars" film]. I thought the script was good, and JJ Abrams is a director that I have long admired and known. I did a movie with him [1991's Regarding Henry] about 25 years ago," Ford said during the Q&A portion of the fan event.

Ford also confirmed that he will also be starring in the "Blade Runner" sequel. He will be returning as Deckard in the next installment set to be directed by Denis Villeneuve.  

In addition to the highly anticipated "Star Wars" installment, fans can also expect between 10 to 20 minutes of deleted footage once "The Force Awakens" comes out on Blu-ray. 

"I'm sure quite a few of them will make their way to [the film's Blu-ray]. I don't know the length, but some scenes are one shot, quick things, some scenes are more legit, with multiple cuts and scenes," director J.J. Abrams confirmed in an interview with Collider

Abrams didn't specifically reveal what scenes failed to make the final edit.

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" makes its way to theaters on Dec. 18. It has a total run time of 2 hours and 16 minutes.

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.