Rogue One: New Star Wars trailer hints at return of Darth Vader

Scene from a trailer for the new Star Wars film Rogue On showing Darth Vader. Credit: Star Wars

The new trailer for Star Wars spin-off movie Rogue One has landed and fuels speculation of the return of Darth Vader as it ends with a glimpse of the perpetual heavy breather.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is set before the original 1977 Star Wars film and instead of focusing on the Skywalker family, it is based on a rebel group's plot to steal the plans to the Galactic Empire's Death Star.

The two-minute clip shows the Death Star, TIE fighters and Imperial shuttles out in force as a demonstration of the grip the evil Empire has on the galaxy.

The film is directed by Gareth Edwards, whose previous credits include Godzilla.

British actress Felicity Jones takes on the lead role of Jyn Erso, the head of a Rebel Alliance team.

Felicity Jones, seen a scene from a trailer, plays the role of Jyn Erso. Credit: Star Wars

The film also stars Diego Luna as Cassian Andor and Forest Whitaker, who plays Erso's mentor Saw Gerrera, as well as Riz Ahmed, Donnie Yen and Ben Mendelsohn.

Stormtroopers face a rebel in a scene featured in the trailer. Credit: Star Wars

The return of one of the most famous villains in film history has been rumoured since the spin-off films were first announced.