THE Force will be with us this week when Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker lands in cinemas.

As the final instalment of the nine-part saga gets its release on Thursday, it is hard to imagine a time before Jedis and lightsabers.

8

8

Since 1977, George Lucas’s sci-fi films have produced some of the most memorable characters in cinematic history.

To mark the end of the “trilogy of trilogies”, artist MARK GWINNETT has created a poster that looks back at 42 years of the Star Wars universe.

It has all your favourites, from loveable sidekick Chewbacca to fearless Princess Leia and vengeful Jabba The Hutt.

But can you name all 247 characters featured? The answers follow.

8

8

8

8

8

8

This latest Star Wars film is directed by The Force Awakens director JJ Abrams.

The surviving Resistance faces the First Order once more as Rey, Finn and Poe Dameron's journey continues.

With the power and knowledge of generations behind them, the final battle commences.

Who is in the main cast of Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker?

• Daisy Ridley as Rey - an orphan from Jakku and a member of the Resistance. She is the last known Jedi and apprentice of Luke Skywalker.
• Adam Driver as Kylo Ren - the Supreme Leader of the First Order after overthrowing Snoke and master of the Knights of Ren. Born Ben Solo, he is the son of Leia Organa and Han Solo, the nephew of Luke Skywalker, and grandson of Darth Vader.
• John Boyega as Finn - a member of the Resistance and a former stormtrooper who defected from the First Order.
• Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron - a high-ranking X-wing fighter pilot and commander of the Resistance
• Anthony Daniels as C-3PO -  a humanoid protocol droid in the service of General Leia Organa. Anthony is the only actor to have appeared in all of the episodic films in the series.
• BB-8 and R2-D2 also feature in the new trailer.

Mark Hamill is also in Episode 9. The Luke Skywalker actor confirmed he will be back as a Force ghost in The Rise of Skywalker after his death in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

most read in tv & showbiz

car-nage!

Shock film Titane about woman having sex with cars wins top prize at Cannes

ANIMAL MAGIC

The tragic true story of Hagrid’s dog Fang - who was abandoned by cruel owner

STUNT LEGEND

A look at the life of stunt man Jery Hewitt

I SMELL CHILDREN

Who plays the child catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang?

Meanwhile Carrie Fisher will make an appearance in the film as Princess Leia despite her death in 2017. She is in Episode 9 using footage shot from a previous film.

• GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk