10 Things You Didn't Catch In 'The Force Awakens '

In December 2015, the much anticipated seventh episode in the Star Wars Skywalker saga was released in theaters. Fans flocked to theaters to see the first installment of the new Disney trilogy. While many of us have seen this movie several dozen times by now, there are still details that have gone unnoticed. True to form in both Star Wars and an Abrams-directed movie, The Force Awakens is full of Easter eggs and references that even the most seasoned fan may have missed. Here are ten details to keep an eye out for during your next rewatch.

10. Maz's Flags

No list of The Force Awakens Easter eggs would be complete without a look at Maz's castle and the flags above the entryway. While there are plenty of new symbols and standards to peruse, several will stand out to Star Wars fans. This includes not only the Mandalorian Mythosaur crest, but also the wheat symbol seen on Boba Fett's chest plate. This is actually the symbol of Jango Fett's mentor, Jaster Mereel, and his Journeyman Protectors. There are also several flags in Maz's collection that were first seen during the podrace in Episode I, representing the houses, planets, and clans of various podracers participating in the Boonta Eve classic. As to be expected at a pirate castle, there is some representation for less than savory types as well, including the Hutt clans and the gang of the infamous Weequay pirate, Hondo Ohnaka.

9. Starkiller Base

As explained in Rogue One, Kyber crystals are one of the most powerful energy sources in the galaxy. Used to power not only the Jedi's lightsabers but also the Death Star's super weapon. With these rare crystals in such high demand, the caves in which they grow are closely guarded secrets. However, one of the holiest places to the Jedi, the ice planet of Ilum, has been corrupted by the First Order. Turned into a military base, housing their own superweapon, known as Starkiller Base.

8. Holochess

One of the most iconic features of the Millennium Falcon is the holochess, or Dejarik, board installed by Lando in the hold to entertain his guests. First seen being played in A New Hope in a match between R2-D2 and Chewbacca, the game almost results in arms being ripped off as the Wookiee's unhappy with the outcome. The board is reactivated when Finn casually leans against it in The Force Awakens, and one of the game pieces successfully takes out another. The move is extremely similar to the moment in A New Hope, except the long-necked, gray alien is the one being taken by the yellowish, hammer wielding creature this time around.

7. FN-2187

Finn's stormtrooper designation is a direct reference to the cell in which Leia is held aboard the Death Star. Finn is stormtrooper FN-2187 and Leia is held in cell 2187 when Luke, Han, and Chewie arrive to rescue her. The number 2187, like 1138, is a number that crops up often throughout the Star Wars universe and is itself an Easter egg of sorts. While 1138 is obviously a reference to Lucas' film THX 1138, the number 2187 actually comes from another short film that inspired Lucas. Originally released in Canada in 1963, 21-87 is a bizarre montage short film that lasts only 9 minutes and culminates in the line "your number is 21-87, isn't it?" Lucas was inspired by this film, and it influenced his depiction of droids and the Force.

6. Rey's Speeder

Growing up as a scavenger on Jakku, resources and credits aren't exactly abundant in Rey's early life. As a result, she has to make do with what she has. This includes solving the problem of transportation from Niima Outpost to the crash sites to search for valuable scrap. Being surrounded by abandoned components and developing a knack as a mechanic, Rey is able to salvage enough useable parts to construct her own speeder. Focusing on reliability, the speeder isn't much more than an engine with a net strapped to the side for storage, but it serves Rey well for many years before she encounters BB-8 and joins the Resistance.

5. Alec Guinness' Voice

One of the most compelling and intense scenes of the movie comes when Rey hears a voice calling her deep in Maz's Castle. Following the voice, she discovers a chest containing the Skywalker saber. Upon touching it, she is launched into a Force vision where she sees the halls of Cloud City, an outstretched cybernetic hand, and the carnage of the Knights of Ren. As she tumbles through the vision she also hears many Jedi from the past speaking to her. Yoda can faintly be heard describing the Force to Luke on Dagobah while Obi-Wan Kenobi tells her "these are your first steps." Much to the surprise of many first time viewers, Sir Alec Guinness can be heard calling out her name. This was actually accomplished by trimming down the word "afraid" to get the desired effect and is exceptionally executed as it is blended with Ewan McGregor's lines that were recorded specifically for this film.

4. Grandpa Abrams

When Rey rescues BB-8 from Teedo's net, she gives him directions back to Niima Outpost, which includes a warning to stay off Kelvin Ridge. If this name sounds familiar, it's because the U.S.S. Kelvin is a starship in the Star Trek reboot films. In fact, Abrams has a history of putting the name Kelvin in virtually every project her works on. This is in honor of his grandfather, whose surname was Kelvin and who was an important mentor in Abrams' life.

3. Phasma's Armor

One of the standout characters in the movie is the leader of the First Order's stormtrooper battalions, Captain Phasma. Played by Gwendoline Christie and decked out in reflective chrome armor and a red trimmed cape, Phasma cuts a unique and intimidating figure. Phasma's signature armor is actually forged out of Chromium, the same material used to build the Nubian class ships popular with the Naboo royalty. In this case, this Chromium is taken from a ship formerly owned by Emperor Palpatine himself. The durable and blaster resistant metal was recast and reformed into service for the First Order, much as the Empire itself.

2. Niima Outpost

At the entrance to Niima Outpost is a large archway under which all visitors to the outpost must pass. This archway draws its roots back to some of the earliest Star Wars concept art. Drawn by the legend himself, Ralph McQuarrie, the arch was originally to mark the entrance to Jabba the Hutt's palace. However, the vision of the Hutt's dwelling shifted away from a castle and drawbridge and more toward an opium den of sorts, and the arch was moved from Tatooine to Jakku.

1. R2-KT

While BB-8 is escaping Jakku with Rey and Finn, another droid fills in duties as Poe Dameron's co-pilot. These duties fall to a unique pink-plated unit named R2-KT. This little pink astromech is a common sight at Star Wars conventions, fundraisers, and children's hospitals. Originally built for and to honor the memory of a little girl with a terminal illness, KT has become a symbol of hope and the best parts of the Star Wars fan community. This custom built little droid is also The Clone Wars movie and the episodes "Jedi Crash" and "Storm Over Ryloth." Furthermore, the design served as inspiration for QT-KT from the D-Squad arc.

Written By Weston Erickson

Source(s): Wookieepedia

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