Rogue One: A Star Wars Story trailer - Darth Vader looms at last in latest blockbuster promo

The new trailer was broadcast during NBC's Rio 2016 coverage, a rare moment in which viewers were anxious to see the Olympics interrupted by a commercial break

The most iconic villain in movies began a long-awaited comeback last night, as fans glimpsed the back of Darth Vader's head in the new trailer for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

Rogue One is set immediately before Episode IV: A New Hope, and stars Felicity Jones as semi-reformed bandit Jyn Erso, the leader of a motley group of rebel fighters sent to snatch the Death Star plans from the Empire.

It has been described as both a war movie and a heist movie, and - despite the presence of the galaxy's most notorious Sith Lord - supposedly features less use of the Force than any previous Star Wars instalment.

Lord Vader is portrayed in the new film by actor Spencer Wilding, despite early fan speculation that Hayden Christensen might return to the role after starring in the prequel trilogy as Anakin Skywalker.

The cast also includes Ben Mendelsohn, Forest Whitaker, Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed, Mads Mikkelson and Hong Kong action star Donnie Yen, with the new trailer introducing several of the formidable ensemble.

Bourne Legacy director Tony Gilroy was reportedly brought in to assist with reshoots and post-production on the film, which is being helmed by Godzilla director Gareth Edwards. The new promo may have calmed a few nervous fans who feared this meant the production was in trouble - especially after recent high-profile disappointments such as Suicide Squad.

The new trailer was broadcast during NBC's Thursday primetime coverage of the Rio Olympics, one of the few times viewers were glad to have the Games interrupted by a commercial break.

The immediate reaction on Twitter was overwhelmingly positive.

Although a lot of Star Wars fans weren't happy about being made to watch so much of the Olympic swimming first.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story arrives in UK cinemas on 16 December