'Star Wars: The Force Awakens': J.J. Abrams Talks About First Order And The Force Being 'Very Seductive'

J.J. Abrams revealed some of the possible motivations for the rise of the First Order in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” in a recent interview. He explained how some people continue to believe in the philosophy of the Empire, which was brought down by the Rebel Alliance three decades ago.

Speaking to Los Angeles Times, Abrams said that the Force is still a factor in the movie. The director said that the Force can be a “dangerous” and a “seductive” thing and cannot be categorized as either good or bad. The director was responding to a question about what the galaxy was like after the fall of the Empire.

Abrams said that the story requires a conflict. The main conflict in the movies from the franchise has always been the struggle between the Jedi and the Sith. But, instead of a purely good-versus-evil form of conflict, the forthcoming movie may explore some “gray” heroes and villains.

The original trilogy depicted the Empire to be an evil force in the galaxy that was ruled by a tyrannical dictator. Abrams explained that one of the reasons for the rise of the First Order in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is the fact that some people believe that the old Empire was “righteous,” and if not for the Rebel Alliance, they might have succeeded in their goals.

A group of people now apparently feel that “it might be worth trying again.” Abrams, however, did not reveal details about who will be a part of the First Order. The director teased that the new villains are aware of what has happened in the past and will be influenced by it.

Speaking to Collider, cast member Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron) said that Abrams is inspired by the original trilogy, but managed to tell a new story by bringing the veteran cast members together with the new actors in the movie. Daisy Ridley (Rey) also complimented the director for honoring the world that George Lucas created and for blending “old and new technology” to create the special effects in the movie.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is slated to be released on Dec. 18, 2015. The role of the main villains in the movie will be played by Andy Serkis (Supreme Leader Snoke) and Adam Driver (Kylo Ren).