The latest batch of photos from Star Wars: The Last Jedi offer fans one of their best looks at the cast yet, including the first images of the mysterious characters played by Laura Dern and Benicio del Toro. Lucasfilm began marketing the latest chapter in the Skywalker saga over a month ago when they unveiled the film's first teaser trailer at Star Wars Celebration Orlando, and ever since then, viewers have been analyzing the footage for clues about its narrative. As was the case with The Force Awakens, the studio has done an excellent job keeping all secrets under lock and key, leaving moviegoers to scout through the ever-churning rumor mill to learn more.

Since Episode VIII doesn't come out until December, there's still plenty of time for Lucasfilm to do their now annual marketing blitz to promote their latest blockbuster, but as the galaxy far, far away celebrates its 40th anniversary, they've decided to give audiences a little treat. Following Vanity Fair's reveals of four exclusive Last Jedi covers yesterday, photographer Annie Leibovitz's portfolio from her time on the movie's set has been published online.

Consisting of 14 images, the pictures depict several member of the cast - ranging from returning faces like Daisy Ridley and Mark Hamill to newcomers Benicio del Toro and Laura Dern (who is quite the colorful character). You can take a look at all of them in the gallery below:

[vn_gallery name="Star Wars: The Last Jedi Vanity Fair Photos" id="974205"]

While the photos themselves are short on plot details, they arguably give fans a more complete glimpse at The Last Jedi than the trailer did. After being subject to much speculation, the figures portrayed by Dern and del Toro are finally revealed. As previously reported, Dern is playing a Resistance member called Admiral Holdo. The claims that she's dressed similar to someone from the Capitol in The Hunger Games turned out to be quite true, as the Jurassic Park star is donning an extravagant pink hairdo and a fancy formal dress. If she is to be a political rival of General Leia's, the two characters couldn't contrast more (at least aesthetically). Del Toro, meanwhile, remains mostly in the shadows, though we now know he'll bring the "shifty" DJ to life. It's worth mentioning that his name is in quotation marks, calling to question whether that's his actual identity or a code name. The shots of Canto Bight are also visually interesting, showcasing more great creature designs that Star Wars is known for.

Of course, the shots of the familiar faces are eye-catching as well. Rey looks as fierce as ever wielding the Skywalker family lightsaber on Ahch-to, and she appears to be the new captain of the Millennium Falcon (which should go over well with Kylo Ren). The pictures of the late great Carrie Fisher will surely be the most emotional for fans, as The Last Jedi marks the actress' final big screen performance as her iconic character. Many viewers are hoping Leia is reunited with her twin brother at some point in the movie (something that's implied in one behind-the-scenes picture), but for now, touching photos of Fisher with her daughter Billie Lourd and longtime co-star Hamill sharing tender moments are more than enough to bring a tear to one's eye.

NEXT: Finn is a 'Big Deal' In The Last Jedi

Source: Vanity Fair