Released in 2015 and directed by J.J. Abrams, serves as the first installment of the sequel trilogy and the seventh chapter of the "Skywalker Saga". Set 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi , the film introduces a new generation of heroes—scavenger Rey , defecting stormtrooper Finn , and pilot Poe Dameron —who join forces with legacy icons Han Solo and Chewbacca to find the missing Luke Skywalker and combat the rising threat of the First Order . Plot Overview

: The First Order reveals a planet-sized superweapon capable of destroying entire star systems. During a mission to destroy it, Han Solo is killed by his son, Kylo Ren.

: Poe's droid, BB-8, escapes with the map and meets Rey, a scavenger. They are soon joined by Finn, a stormtrooper who deserts after refusing to participate in a massacre.

The film was a massive commercial success, grossing over worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing film in North American history at the time.

: Following a lightsaber duel where Rey discovers her strong connection to the Force, the superweapon is destroyed. R2-D2 awakens to complete the map, leading Rey to an oceanic planet where she finds Luke Skywalker. Critical & Audience Reception

: The group flees Jakku in the Millennium Falcon and is intercepted by Han Solo and Chewbacca. Han confirms that Luke went into exile after his nephew and apprentice, Kylo Ren , turned to the dark side.