A man dressed as a Star Wars character poses at the cartoon fair "Vienna Comix" in Vienna October 4, 2014."Vienna Comix", one of Europe's largest cartoon fairs, takes place twice a year and is expected to attract thousands of fans
“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” will reportedly see the making of a new Empire. There have been many speculations over the past that since Darth Vader and the Emperor's death in “Return of the Jedi” another ruler and possibly another Empire will be introduced in the sequel. IN PHOTO: A man dressed as a Star Wars character poses at the cartoon fair "Vienna Comix" in Vienna October 4, 2014."Vienna Comix", one of Europe's largest cartoon fairs, takes place twice a year and is expected to attract thousands of fans from Austria and the neighbouring countries. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger

Recently leaked concept art unveils the potential design of new TIE fighter to be featured in J. J. Abrams' "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." Furthermore, the latest update is that the Indonesian martial art movie "The Raid's" actors are joining the cast of the seventh instalment of the "Star Wars" franchise. Read on to find out the details.

Indie Revolver revealed the image of the new version of the "classic ship and its possible implications in 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens.'" The image shows that there will be some major changes to be witnessed in the highly anticipated space opera. According to the abovementioned publication, this variation of the automobile is known as TIE Fighters: Special Forces. The red-painted TIE fighters largely resemble its classic edition that may have appeared in "Episode IV: A New Hope," "Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back" and "Episode VI: Return of the Jedi."

The report notes that new design TIE fighter accommodates extra engines between the cockpit and the transport's wings. Furthermore, it is reportedly "much roomier vessel with a large gangplank that descends from the rear of the ship to the ground." Looking at the potential design, it is speculated "the Imperial Guards at attention in front of the ship travel inside along with its pilot." Presence of Imperial Guards means that the Empire still exists and is doing well in the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

The image has led to the rise of frenzied speculations about the return of Emperor Palpatine in the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." Comic Book Movie notes that in original trilogy these guards, red-cloaked figures, only appeared in the presence of Emperor Palpatine. Now the question is who are they attending to in the upcoming movie? Who has descended Emperor Palpatine?

As noted by Screenrant, rumours swirling around claim that Gwendoline Christie might be portraying "elite Imperial officer." If the rumours are true, these Imperial Guards might be serving her character. Indie Revolver states that the TIE fighter is so large that it could be ship owned by a commander of some "Special Forces" or possibly belonging to Christie's character.

Meanwhile, it is being reported that trio from Gareth Evan's Indonesia action movie "The Raid" and "The Raid 2: Berendal" are joining the cast of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." Entertainment news publication Twitch Film broke the news on Jan. 5, 2015. Highly skilled martial artists Iko Uwais, Yayan Ruhian and Cecep Arif Rahman are expected to showcase some of their skills in "Episode VII" of the film. However, the website notes that none of the actor's reps have confirmed the news and there is no information about what their "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" character maybe.

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" stars Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac and more. The film is set to release on Dec. 18, 2015.

For questions/comments regarding the article, you may e-mail the writer at j.kaur@IBTimes.com.au.