Last week, many fans were concerned that the first Star Wars spinoff movie, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, was in big trouble after reports that massive reshoots were necessary. However, thanks to a new batch of photos and information about the movie, hype is at a new high for the next Disney Star Wars movie. But there is something very interesting that doesn't seem to be getting talked about. As it turns out, Star Wars toys are going to be a big part of the plot in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

EW recently released a batch of 16 new photos from Rogue One and since they heavily featured a lot of the new characters and some fancy looking new stormtroopers, it was easy to get distracted by what was on the surface. One of the photos prominently features the new Death Troopers, and there is something very interesting sort of hidden in the shot. One of them is holding a Star Wars action figure. Here is what EW was able to say about it.

"The filmmakers didn't want to explain exactly what's happening here, but they confirm: yes, that's a Stormtrooper doll, a galactic version of a toy soldier. And it will have special significance in the story."

This is not the first time that Star Wars toys of sorts have been featured in a Star Wars movie. Most recently, in The Force Awakens, Rey had a self-made doll that resembled an X-Wing pilot. Also, to a less memorable degree, in the Star Wars Christmas Special, Chewbacca's son has a number of Star Wars toys, and a Stormtrooper is seen ripping the head off what appears to be a stuffed Bantha.

Even with all of the new details we have been handed about Rogue One, we still know a considerably small amount about the grand story, so it is very hard to speculate as to what significance the stormtrooper doll will play in the movie. At least it doesn't appear that it will be some sort of strange, self-referential bit of product placement. It makes sense that given the Empire's reach in the galaxy, there might be some sort of propaganda merchandise available for kids in that universe. But that is about as much as we can discern, given what we know at this point.

Rogue One is the first Star Wars movie that won't be taking place in the episodic Star Wars timeline, and it will take place between the events of Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. The plot will center around a band of Rebels led by Felicity Jones' character Jyn Erso, who are tasked with stealing the plans for the Death Star, which are used to destroy the battlestation in the first Star Wars. It was also recently confirmed via the new EW spread that Darth Vader will indeed be in the movie and that James Earl Jones will be returning to voice the legendary villain. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is set for a December 16, 2016 release. Be sure to check out the new photo of the Death Trooper holding the Stormtrooper doll below.