‘Star Wars’ veterans out in force with new cast members

The force is still with the cast of Star Wars.

Plane crash survivor Harrison Ford, who plays Han Solo in the movies, returned to the public stage alongside fellow veterans Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill, joining younger cast members to promote what promises to be the biggest film release of the year.

Legions of fans slept outside the convention centre in San Diego, in the US, for days before the much-anticipated appearance and were rewarded with a behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Force Awakens, the latest movie, as well as a surprise outside concert attended by the cast bearing light sabres.

The Star Wars originals accompanied new cast members Gwendoline Christie, Domhnall Gleeson, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac and Adam Driver, for a further glimpse at what fans can expect when the new film is released in cinemas in December.

Domhall Gleeson has now been confirmed as playing General Hux!!!! #HallH #SDCC #DarkSide #StarWars #TheForceAwakens pic.twitter.com/GJ0jVTUwth

— Nick (@Nv2187) July 11, 2015

The panel was Ford’s first public appearance since he crashed his small plane earlier this year, and he received a standing ovation from fans as he walked onto the stage.

Clearly touched by the reception he received, Ford said: “The original Star Wars was the beginning of my working life. I was very happy to be a part of the story and the cast again.” The Indiana Jones star, 72, also suffered a broken leg during an accident on-set, but assured the crowds he felt “just fine”.

Asked if he had ever thought what happened to Han Solo after Return Of The Jedi, the veteran star said: “No, because I never thought that it would come back to bless me rather than haunt me.”

He added: “I was very gratified when I read the script. I read something that I thought was really remarkable, really well-written, with some very intriguing developments, and I was very happy to be a part of the story.”

The #StarWars concert ends with fireworks, of course! (Vine by @adambvary) https://t.co/agHlFfjhD5

— Star Wars (@starwars) July 11, 2015

Director JJ Abrams told devotees they could expect a new trailer in the autumn, adding that one of his most important tasks was ensuring he did not let his love of the franchise interfere with the film-making.

The director revealed to fans that he has a cut of the film, but is still working on the final edit.

Fisher, who resumes her role of Princess Leia, said it was surreal to be back on set: “I didn’t think it was going to happen again. It was a little bit like before, only we looked more melted this time, but in a good way,” she said.

Hamill, who plays Luke Skywalker, added he is still touched by how personal Star Wars is for fans: “When I meet you on the street, everyone has a story it’s such a personal story...it’s very moving to me.”

However, he said his Star Wars trivia is distinctly lacking, adding: “I don’t remember what Han Solo was smuggling! I’ve ceded ownership to the world at large.”