We're now a few months removed from the spell that was J.J. Abrams' "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," which means we can turn our full attention to the next Lucasfilm offering "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." The first in a planned set of standalone "Star Wars Anthologies," "Rogue One" will take place in between Episodes III and IV and introduce new characters and storylines.

According to one of the stars, director Gareth Edwards is creating a unique entry into the storied "Star Wars" universe. "Nightcrawler's" Riz Ahmed, who plays an as-of-now unknown role in "Rogue One," talked to Hey U Guys about Edwards' approach and had nothing but good things to say.

"What Gareth Edwards has been bringing to Rogue One is this incredible organic, loose, kind of raw feeling," Ahmed said. "When he talks about Rogue One he's spoken about it in terms of a war movie, comparing it to other war movies, and I think that what it will bring is just a fresh pair of eyes on a familiar world. And I think that's really exciting, we're doing something a little bit different to the other films and hopefully people are ready for that and embrace it."

"Rogue One" will be the first "Star Wars" film not to revolve around a Skywalker. Instead, the film will follow a group of Rebel soldiers who attempt to steal the plans for the first Death Star. As Ahmed mentions, Edwards has described it as a gritty war movie with heist elements involved. This marks a new tonal and creative direction for the "Star Wars" universe, which should help "Rogue One" stand on its own. As a spinoff movie, Edwards can help broaden the horizons of the "Star Wars" galaxy and provide fans a glimpse of things they have yet to see. That's an exciting proposition for any true "Star Wars" fan.

"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" will hit theaters on Dec. 16.