Luke Skywalker’s absence in Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer is ‘no accident’, says JJ Abrams, ‘you’re asking the right questions’

Something strange is going on with the original films' protagonist

The Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailers released thus far have given us a good look at returning characters like Han Solo, Chewbacca and Princess Leia, but one has been conspicuous in his absence - original protagonist Luke Skywalker.

Asked by the Associated Press if there was a reason for Skywalker’s minimal screen time in the trailers, director Abrams replied: “It’s no accident.

“These are good questions to be asking. I can’t wait for you to find out the answers.”

It is generally accepted that the artificial hand laid on R2-D2 in one of the trailers is that of Luke, and his hooded, shadowy figure has led some to believe he has turned to the Dark Side, though I imagine it’s a little more complicated than that.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is set to open in cinemas on 17 December and is probably the most highly-anticipated film ever, but it actually still isn’t finished.

“My guess is we’ll probably be doing visual effects for the next three or four weeks, even though the cut will be done,” Abrams said. “We still have another scoring session with John Williams, who’s a god when it comes to music, so it’s been an ongoing, surreal experience. I just cannot wait for the movie to be out in the world.”