New 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Images; Harrison Ford Talks Han Solo And Indiana Jones

Entertainment Weekly has begun rolling out coverage from their Star Wars: The Force Awakens cover story, and it looks like we'll be getting a lot more as the week continues. The first batch of new info includes a ton of new images from J.J. Abrams' Episode VII, as well as comments from Harrison Ford about reprising his roles as Han Solo and possibly Indiana Jones for a fifth adventure. We've compiled all the information you need to know after the jump, along with a collection of the best new photos.

First off, here is what EW published about Harrison Ford reprising his role as Han Solo in The Force Awakens:

That's why it stung so much when Ford showed scant affection for the smuggler — and even smacked him around a bit — over the years. He repeatedly said he wished Solo had been killed off in Return of the Jedi to give the final film in the original trilogy emotional gravity. He told NBC's Today back then, "I was glad to see that costume for the last time." The 73-year-old star has softened significantly now that the planet is beside itself awaiting his return in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. "I was glad that the character was still alive for me to play in this new iteration," he says.

Ford also says that the fact that Han Solo now believes in the Jedi doesn't mean the character will be less of a "smart-ass":

No, there's not an abandoning of the character. He does not aspire to the position of Obi-'Ben' Kenobi, nor do I aspire to be some New Age Alec Guinness. His development is consistent with the character, and there are emotional elements which have occasioned his growth. We spend a lot more time [in the movie] on his failure to master basic skills, like accounting. And accounting for his own behavior. There's a lot of the rogue still left in Solo. Some things don't change. ... [Thirty-two] years is going to put some rings on the tree, some experience in the bank. You might make an elaborate conjecture [about who Solo is now], but I think we answer that question in the film. It's best left answered there.

It definitely seems like Han Solo is being set-up to be the Obi-Wan Kenobi of this new trilogy, despite Ford shrugging off the comparison. Has Lucasfilm talked to Ford about the Han Solo standalone film currently set for 2018? Ford quips, "I think they're probably talking to the young Han Solo." As for what advice he would give the actor who takes on his iconic role, he says, "Talk to your director. Watch the movies. And welcome aboard. Make it your own."

While formal discussions have not begun for another Indiana Jones movie, we know there are no plans to replace Ford with a younger actor, and director Steven Spielberg has said he's love to work with Ford again on a fifth installment. But would Ford return for Indiana Jones 5? The actor seems excited to do another adventure:

Oh, yeah. Yeah, I'd love to do another Indiana Jones. A character that has a history and a potential, kind of a rollicking good movie ride for the audience, Steven Spielberg as a director — what's not to like?

Sounds like we can expect an Indiana Jones 5 sometime in the next few years.

Now let's get to the best Star Wars: The Force Awakens photos revealed in the new issue of Entertainment Weekly. Hit the next page to see them!

Warning: Some story details follow.

Force Awakens production designer Darren Gilford reveals that Rey's speeder is actually meant to look like "a beat-up tractor that's a hand-me-down or scavenged item." He also revealed that it "has high-end torque like a tractor that needs to haul a trailer," probably because Rey uses the speeder to drag large hauls from her scavenging adventures back to her homestead.

We also learn that Rey was abandoned on Jakku by her family when she was a child (Daisy Ridley says around five years old). She has no idea why and does not know why they never returned. We had previously heard that Rey stayed on Jakku in hopes that her family would come back and find her. Ridley tells the magazine that the character's "been alone for a long time."

She's never sat around a table and had a meal with someone else. She works to feed herself, and she goes to sleep, and she gets up again. It is a sad life. The film, for Rey, is a journey of finding out that no one is no one.

Rey's staff is not the lightsaber of Darth Plagueis as some fans have speculated. Ridley dispels the rumors, saying "it's just a staff." According to the actress, the staff is not primarily a weapon, but is useful for all sorts of situations including defending herself. And no, its not even electrified, like a cattle prod.

The trailers have shown us that Poe Dameron (Oscar Issac) gets captured and tortured by Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and the First Order. This new image suggests that Finn (John Boyega) may play a part in Dameron's escape, which could be part of the reason that Finn goes AWOL.

We've seen video of Kylo Ren facing off with Finn in a lightsaber battle on a snowy woodland planet. This new image reveals that Rey is also around for this confrontation. There's been so much speculation about whom Rey is cradling in the trailer shot that shows her crying in the snow. Many fans think it's Chewbacca or Han Solo, but could it be Finn?

The design for Captain Phasma originated as a concept for Kylo Ren. Apparently, J.J. Abrams was inspired to create a new character, and wanted Gwendoline Christie as he was a fan of hers from Game of Thrones. It's also revealed that Phasma is "not in many scenes, but her presence is powerfully felt when she's there."

The above photo shows First Order stormtroopers laying down "intense cover fire within Starkiller Base." Some additional tidbits about the First Order stormtroopers were also revealed:

You can see a bunch of more images on EW.com.