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'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story': 'Darth Vader is Back'

2:46
'Star Wars' Secrets Revealed: Which Major Characters Will Return?
20th Century Fox/Getty Images|Marianna Massey/Getty Images
ByMICHAEL ROTHMAN
June 22, 2016, 12:45 PM

— -- We've seen the first electric trailer for "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," now we've seen something even greater.

Entertainment Weekly gave ABC News' "Good Morning America" an exclusive look at this week's cover that reveals some incredible news -- Darth Vader is back in the new standalone film!

"Darth Vader kind of looms large over the plot even when he's not necessarily on screen because the new villain played by Ben Mendleson, Director Krennic ... He's trying to fulfill the wishes of the emperor and he's got kinda Vader looming in the background over his shoulder, making sure that he gets the job done," EW's Anthony Breznican told "Good Morning America" on Wednesday.

Entertainment Weekly magazine has an exclusive first look at "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." The issue goes on sale nationwide Friday, June 24.

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Read: ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ First Teaser Trailer Debuts on ‘GMA’

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Related: 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story': 5 Burning Questions

Though Breznican only talked about Vader looming large, the cover says what every "Star Wars" fan has hoped for since the film was announced -- "Darth Vader is Back!" It's still not clear exactly how, but this is huge!

There was speculation back in April when the first teaser trailer dropped, also on "GMA," since the film is set in his time, when he was still helping the Evil Empire rule the galaxy.

The plot of "Rogue One," starring Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed and Oscar-winner Forrest Whitaker, focuses on a group of rebel heroes coming together on a mission to steal the plans for the Death Star featured in the very first "Star Wars" classic from the late 1970's.

"Rogue One" is set to hit theaters on Dec. 16.

EW's latest, greatest issue goes on sale nationwide Friday, June 24th.

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