‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ Tie-In Novel Reveals Key Details About Ben Mendelsohn’s Director Krennic

The chatter of behind-the-scenes drama, plus Lucasfilm’s counter-attack on the publicity front, means we’ve seen a lot more from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” at this point in the marketing cycle than we had from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” However, there remains much to be revealed about the movie. We do know that it’ll tell the story of how the plans for the Death Star came to be stolen, which were crucial to the events in “Star Wars: A New Hope,” but there are many characters that remain in a shroud of mystery. Well, until now.

READ MORE: New International Trailer For ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ Offers Fresh Clues About Jyn Erso’s Dad

**Spoilers ahead** Details have emerged about Ben Mendelsohn’s Director Krennic in the synopsis of the upcoming official tie-in novel, “Catalyst” (via Dark Horizons). It reveals Krennic’s relationship to the Empire, and more crucially, how the character ties into the lives of Galen Ero (Mads Mikkelsen) and his daughter Jyn (Felicity Jones). Here’s the synopsis:

War is tearing the galaxy apart. For years the Republic and the Separatists have battled across the stars, each building more and more deadly technology in an attempt to win the war. As a member of Chancellor Palpatine’s top secret Death Star project, Orson Krennic is determined to develop a superweapon before their enemies can. And an old friend of Krennic’s, the brilliant scientist Galen Erso, could be the key.

Galen’s energy-focused research has captured the attention of both Krennic and his foes, making the scientist a crucial pawn in the galactic conflict. But after Krennic rescues Galen, his wife, Lyra, and their young daughter, Jyn, from Separatist kidnappers, the Erso family is deeply in Krennic’s debt. Krennic then offers Galen an extraordinary opportunity: to continue his scientific studies with every resource put utterly at his disposal.

While Galen and Lyra believe that his energy research will be used purely in altruistic ways, Krennic has other plans that will finally make the Death Star a reality. Trapped in their benefactor’s tightening grasp, the Ersos must untangle Krennic’s web of deception to save themselves and the galaxy itself.

That’s a pretty fascinating relationship between Krennic and the Eros, which could make for some terrifically compelling drama in the midst of the battles of ‘Rogue One.’ And hopefully some of that backstory gets to play out in the events of the film.

Meanwhile, while it has been revealed that while Darth Vader will be making an appearance in ‘Rogue One,’ Emperor Palpatine will not. “I don’t feature in that myself,” Ian McDiarmid told XGN. So scratch that off the list of potential cameos.

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” opens on December 16th, with “Catalyst” in stores on November 15th. Check out a new image from the film below.felicity_jones_rogue_one