Quick background about me: I’m not a huge Star Wars superfan. These are my confessions.

I remember being slightly interested about the movies, but I didn’t have a longstanding attachment to them. So, when the Star Wars trilogy was reignited, I didn’t expect nor hope for much, but was intrigued about the newer look. From the very moment that John Boyega (Finn) popped into frame during the Star Wars: The Force Awakens, introducing an unapologetically black Stormtrooper, I was enraptured in a way I’ve never been before. And I have to admit that the forefront of a female character in Rey (Daisy Ridley) gave the franchise extra bonus points in my book.

So, as we head to the next chapter of the trilogy with Star Wars: The Last Jedi, I am hype! I’m still not a — nor will I ever will live up to that status — Star Wars superfan hype, but I’m excited all the same.

I was thrilled to attend the Star Wars: The Last Jedi Global Media Days. The entire environment was rife with Star Wars themes as the wall panel was covered in glowing stars and the panel of actors/crew walked in, surrounded by the Elite Praetorian Guard.

Joining Boyega and Ridley was Director Rian Johnson, Mark Hamil (Luke Skywalker), Adam Driver (Kylo Ren), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron), Kelly Marie Tran (Rose Tico), Laura Dern (Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo), Domhnall Gleeson (General Hux), Gwendoline Christie (Captain Phasma) and Andy Serkis (Supreme Leader Snoke) in a riveting panel.  

After the panel, we were treated to Star Wars-themed fare such as Design Your Own Keepsake T-Shirt (I chose the Porg!), BB-8 & BB-9E Photo Opp, Leia, Luke, Kylo Ren & Rey Costume Vignettes, Praetorian Guards Photo Opp, Star Wars: The Last Jedi Product Display, X-Lab VR Demo Droid Repair, Ample Hills Ice Cream Flavors Inspired By The Film, Rian Johnson On-Set Photography Display, Movies Anywhere Lounge, Disneyland Star Wars Land Preview, Littlebits Droid Inventor Kits, and of course, a swag bag filled with goodies.

As far as what we can expect from the film? Boyega, who was his charismatic self and whom Johnson credited as the biggest Star Wars franchise fan of the panel group said that we should expect the characters to be “challenged” in a different way than what we were introduced to in The Force Awakens.

Boyega also spoke on the camaraderie of the cast and crew. “It’s been two years since we’ve filmed The Force Awakens and we have gone on to do other things, so coming back felt like coming back to school,” said Boyega. “Everyday was like a new set and the practical effects, I think doubled [for] this movie. The sets were bigger.”

Star Wars: The Last Jedi nationally releases on December 15, 2017.

You can check out some footage below