'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story': History of Death Star to be revealed in prequel novel

The history of the dreaded Death Star in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” will be revealed in the new prequel novel titled “Catalyst,” by James Luceno. An excerpt from the book has now been released online, giving a glimpse of events that led to the building of the super weapon.

[Spoiler alert]

The brains behind the laser weapon in the Death Star is Galen Erso (Mads Mikkelsen). Given the significance of his research, both the Empire and the Separatists are keen on winning the scientist over to their side.

An excerpt of the prequel novel “Catalyst” posted on USA Today, reveals that the impatient Separatist forces kidnap Galen and his family. The scientist and his family are not put in chains and appear to be treated well, before they are rescued by the Empire.

Leading the rescue is Galen’s friend Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn). Things go smoothly for a while, until the rescue party is attacked. Later the Imperial forces are ordered to attack a city, much to the dislike of Galen.

Orson Krennic is part of the Death Star project in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” It is with Galen’s help that he is able to complete the weapon.

The main plot of the movie revolves around Galen’s daughter Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) leading a team of Rebels to steal the plans of the Death Star. The Empire will be preparing to test the Death Star when the Rebels make their move.

Meanwhile, in a Reddit interaction cast member Alan Tudyk (K-2SO) revealed that he had a cameo in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” That cameo appearance apparently got cut, the actor revealed. The actor’s character in the film is a reprogrammed Imperial Droid, so only the cameo appearance would have allowed the fans to see the actor’s face in the film.