4) Star Wars Easter Eggs?
If the Prequels did anything right (which they did), it was introducing integral characters from Star Wars lore like Bail Organa and the Lars family. The Rogue One trailer has already featured iconic red-haired rebel leader Mon Mothma. However, rumors persist that other familiar faces including Han Solo and Darth Vader (and an outside shot at Boba Fett) might show up to wink at the camera as well.
Assuming some of the standalone films like Rogue One operate without the existing story tropes or characters, a few familiar faces will be integral to tying the films into the overall mythology. Fan favorites and minor characters, if given the proper treatment, will score points with older fans and introduce new viewers to the Star Wars pantheon.
Character-based Easter eggs, along with interlaced connections to currently running shows and future installments, may also indicate Lucasfilm’s attempt to emulate Marvel’s universe-building strategy. It’s even likely that the franchise has incorporated an overarching story arc even beyond the Skywalker saga that will show up in Rogue One and future films.