Do You Recognize this Starfighter?

J.J. Abrams has released a new video for his Omaze campaign, and it's just as awesome as the first. But instead of a new creature, this video promoting Star Wars: Episode VII features a new yet-to-be-named starfighter. J.J. also released a new prize for funding his Omaze campaign: you now have the opportunity to win an early screening for you and 20 of your closest friends if you donate this week. It's a nice gesture. This adds a smaller consolation prize to the grand promise of a role in the movie, and all the money still goes toward UNICEF's Innovation Labs. Even R2D2 would approve of this corporate philanthropy-fan contest hybrid.

Although Force for Change is fascinating, I need to know more about the new starfighter. It appears to be an x-wing, the same type of space-fighting machine as the Millennium Falcon. And it also appears to be aged considerably, meaning that it will probably be subject to the same "piece of junk" jokes as the Falcon. But after such a lovable old spaceship, are fans ready to make room for a new craft?

In the original Star Wars trilogy, the Falcon became just as much a character as Chewy or C3PO, and she also served as a symbol of the Rebel Alliance's scrappy resolve. Hans constantly vouched for her speed and smuggling abilities when outsiders balked, and she usually delivered. If the new X-wing doesn't have a backstory and personality that at least matches the Falcon's magnificence, I don't think I'll be able to love another starfighter. And I'm not sure fans will be able to love a Star Wars movie without relatable inanimate objects and rolling yellow pre-credits, so J.J., it's time to modify your ship.

Image: Star Wars/YouTube