What Is the First New Creature in 'Star Wars: Episode VII'?

When director J.J. Abrams recorded his first video from the set of Star Wars: Episode VII in Abu Dhabi, he was sending a number of messages to different kinds of Star Wars fans. The obvious message, meant for all kinds of fans, was that they should enter a charity contest with probably the coolest prize in history: a bit part in the still-unnamed Episode VII

But the arrival of a large muppet-like creature halfway through Abrams' monologue sent another few messages to more serious fans. It was a clear signal that Episode VII will use the retro puppeteering of the original trilogy — think the motley crew of Jabba's palace — alongside the somewhat soulless CGI of the prequel era Read more...