The next installment of one of the most successful movie franchises in history, Star Wars 7: The Force Awakens will officially hit the screen on December 18, but these early, we are treated with a new footage and a slew of pictures from at least two sources, giving us a glimpse of the new universe, characters and plot.

The Den of Geek has uncovered a 30-second teaser of Star Wars: Episide VII - The Force Awaken on Star Wars Korea YouTube channel and a picture from Twitter,

Den of Geek wrote, "Disney's attempt to out-Comic-Con, D23, is imminent, and as such a host of new materials from the firm's upcoming movies are expected to be showcased. In particular, there's a big Star Wars panel, and we wouldn't be surprised to find out more about Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and Star Wars Anthology: Rogue One."

However, Slash Film reported that the Star Wars panel at Disney's D23 fan convention will not be presenting any new footage of the Star Wars: Episide VII - The Force Awaken this weekend.

Director JJ Abrams confirmed this report.It is true, we are showing no footage, behind the scenes or otherwise. We're thrilled to go to D23 and meet the fans, but it's a tricky thing to try and rush [footage] for a convention or preexisting event that would, of course, be fun to show something at," Entertainment Weekly quoted him as saying.

Good thing though, Entertainment Weekly released 12 exclusive photos of Star Wars: Episide VII - The Force Awaken, providing fans a glimpse of the plot and some juicy details of the upcoming movie.

The images feature fresh looks at villains General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson), Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), and Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie); heroes Finn (John Boyega) and Rey (Daisy Ridley); and droids R2-D2 and C-3PO.

EW wrote, "The Empire has morphed into a junta known as The First Order, while X-Wing pilots like Oscar Isaac's Poe Dameron now fly for a splinter group known as the Resistance. Princess Leia (Fisher) has come into possession of the lightsaber once possessed by her father, Darth Vader, and later lost by Luke (Hamill) when Vader separated him from his arm during that 'join me' duel in The Empire Strikes Back.

"The amount of screentime the Skywalker twins may get is still unclear, although Luke's fate is obviously a key factor. Ford's Han Solo, however, will be one of the leads, piloting the Millennium Falcon alongside his old pal Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew.) Among the newcomers, desert scavenger Rey (Daisy Ridley) and runaway stormtrooper Finn (John Boyega) will be running for their lives, with the rolling droid BB-8 trying to keep up. Eventually all five of them end up aboard that familiar starship."