ST Starkiller Base - Function and Purpose?

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Oh my . . . this map and Starkiller Base seemingly taking the place of Ilum is huge news.

First Order said we've lost 2 Death Stars, screw this, we're going to the source.

Mind, potentially blown. I never even considered this.

 

I think you guys have nailed it. Exceptional work.

 

To blow $h!t up

 

What I find interesting about the map, aside from the base most likely being Ilum, is "Starkiller Base Origin Point". I get the impression the base started at that spot on the galactic map, but has since moved, or will move about the galaxy to reach its intended targets. We haven't seen the backside of the planet, which might have giant engines.

 

Animated GIF.

 

That just screams Cecil B Demille to me. And that's why "REHASH!" is a potentially lazy barb to lob without seeing the film. Sure, we've had super weapons before, but we haven't seen them like this.

 

Wow. Can't wait to see that on the big screen!

 

If Starkiller Base is Ilum....that will be one of the more genius bits of writing in the new films I've heard yet. Just stunningly connective to the prequels, and makes PERFECT sense as a weapon idea by the FO or Snoke.

Just an amazing and clever link, if true.

 

^ Agreed. An absolutely perfect way to link all sources of canon. If true, JJ and crew are better at this Star Wars thing than many thought possible.

 

Agreed. Since the weapon can destroy stars, it literally looks like a nuclear explosion on steroids.

 

Here is the TV spot shown during last night's NFL game:
https://video-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hvideo-xap1/v/t43.1792-2/12275451_203798256619578_890401002_n.mp4?efg=eyJybHIiOjE1MDAsInJsYSI6MTAyNCwidmVuY29kZV90YWciOiJzdmVfaGQifQ==&rl=1500&vabr=886&oh=fa96556e50414bf20ab6b553db39dba4&oe=5658C192
Does anyone else think that 0:35-0:36 looks like it could be "The Catapult" in action?

 

Those just look like missiles to me.

 

same as this one right?

 

Yes, that's it. And yes, they're obviously missiles, but I didn't know if we know more about the form of the Catapult since the initial spoiler of its existence? I remember reading that it wipes everything out of the sky, so surely the nearby TIE would've gotten nabbed as well?

Also, that shot may be too close to the ground for where the Catapult was supposed to operate. Aren't all craft in space eliminated, while those close to the planet untouched?

 

actually you're thinking of "the array" and it's in space.

 

Alright, thanks. What's the Catapult? The main Starkiller weapon? The Sledgehammer is the Resistance capital-ship-buster, right?

I admit that I follow starfighter details more than spoiler updates to the large weaponry, and obviously I am a bit confused/behind the times, lol.

 

yes. the catapult is the starkiller. sledgehammer is the ship destroyer.

 

I heard on article on ScreenRant that the Starkiller Base planet is from the Unknown Regions in origin that is. Will we see Episodes VIII and IX and beyond to Episodes X-XII take place in the Unknown Regions? Or at least a climatic space battle in the UR at the climax of VIII or IX? FINGERS CROSSED!!

 

I don't mean to sound dense, but how does it connect everything? I don't recall that planet being in the prequels?

 

sw isn't just the films.

 

Completely agree. This movie seems like anything but a rehash to me. What it appears to be is a continuation of the story as we left it after the OT that is actually attempting to remain faithful to the character and spirit of the original movies. I appreciate that they are taking the time and effort to do that.

I've loved everything we've been given thus far. This latest potential development (Starkiller Base = Ilum) is likely just another example of how much detail is being built into this film. Based off what I've saw thus far, TFA is going to be an outstanding start to the new trilogy. 3 weeks!!!!

 

Exactly. As I've said probably a million times, on paper, the differences between this super weapon and the Death Star might not seem like much. But visually, it is likely to be a world of difference (literally). It's embedded in an actual planet with snow and mountains and forests, it emits a horrifyingly hellish red energy, etc. So far, it looks like nothing we've ever seen in Star Wars before.

But...uh...Death Star rehash...

 

I think those missiles may be part of the defensive "Array" weapon that Hux orders to be used on both X-Wings and TIEs alike. From the MSW spoilers:

• General Hux orders the firing of “The Array” superweapon on the Resistance, as the First Order Catapult is not yet charged up.
• General Hux’s subordinates refuse because the weapon will also destroy their TIE fighters
• General Hux appears to fire the superweapon himself
• In that moment, projectiles are fired and all the ships in space are destroyed.

Also interesting that the missiles seem to have red-tinged trails, a color that is consistent with what we've seen of the superweapon so far.

 

I'm reminded of Richard Feynman's talk about his work at Los Alamos, and the first Trinity test. Jump to the 1:03:00 mark.

I look forward to hearing what the weapon sounds like. I love the sound of the seismic charges in AotC, so I imagine our ears are in for a treat with this new one.