Disney reveals first details of new Star Wars spin-off Rogue One

At a conference with shareholders today, Disney chairman Bob Iger revealed the first details of the mysterious Star Wars spin-off — the first step in an ambitious attempt to make the Star Wars universe as vast and sprawling as Marvel's Cinematic Universe.

The first Star Wars spin-off will be titled Rogue One, and will star Felicity Jones, the Oscar-nominated actress from last year's The Theory of Everything. Chris Weitz, the screenwriter behind Disney's live-action Cinderella, will pen the screenplay; Gareth Edwards, who helmed last year's Godzilla reboot, will direct.

Iger didn't reveal any details about Rogue One, but given the title, common speculation is that the story will somehow involve Rogue Squadron — the fleet of pilots led by Luke Skywalker during the Battle of Hoth in 1980's The Empire Strikes Back.

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Rogue One will hit theaters in December 2016.