Today is officially known as Star Wars Day. And while we're sure to see some big Star Wars: The Force Awakens surprises ahead on this particular May 4, Vanity Fair kicked things off right by premiering 6 new photos from their exclusive magazine shoot. While yesterday brought us the cover of the magazine, which featured Harrison Ford, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Chewbacca and BB-8, we know get a look at Adam Driver revealed in character as Kylo Ren standing against a snowy backdrop of an unidentified ice planet as he is flanked by two new Snowtroopers. We also get to see Lupita Nyong'o in her motion capture suit, which confirms that she will be playing a CGI character. Her name is Maz Kanata and she is a space pirate.

Most amazingly, we get an entire six page spread of new Aliens and other assorted practical creatures who will be making up the backdrop of this new world. This is accompanied by yet another photo of Oscar Isaac as X-Wing Fight Poe Dameron. J.J. Abrams is seen in two different photos. One finds him directing Daisy Ridley in the desret on her new sand speeder. The other finds him surrounded by Kathleen Kennedy and John Williams.

Much of the real story behind Star Wars: The Force Awakens has not yet been revealed. This latest sci-fi adventure set in a galaxy far, far away takes place 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi, and features a new generation of swashbuckling heroes and shadowy villains, as well as the return of fan-favorite smugglers, princesses, and Jedi. Famed photographer Annie Leibovitz is responsible for all of these new images, which you can pick up in Vanity Fair at a newsstand near you. Take a look at these awesome new photos, and stay tuned throughout the day for more Star Wars excitement: