'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' release date, plot updates: director talks about the various meanings behind the title

The world of "Star Wars" has been back in a big way ever since the release of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" last year, and fans are hyped up for the next upcoming film in the franchise, "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." Gareth Edwards, the man behind the film, talks about the meaning of the film's title and why Lucasfilm titles the movie as "Rogue One."

In an interview with Empire Magazine, Edwards says, "What does it mean? 'Rogue One' is a military call sign to some extent ... but this is the first film that's gone off-piste and is not part of the saga – or the Anakin story – so it's the 'rogue' one, you know?"

It is true that all seven "Star Wars" films that have been released so far have been revolving around the story of the Skywalker family. And with such a vast and expansive universe, "Star Wars" can afford to tell a story that doesn't have anything to do with the Skywalkers. But then again, Darth Vader will appear in "Rogue One", albeit he won't be part of the main story.

It's also interesting to note that the (debunked) expanded universe had a rebel group lead by Wedge Antilles called "Rogue Squadron," and they specialized in attacks in space and on land. Some fans are eagerly waiting for a reference on the Rogue Squadron in the movie at some point.

Edwards also said that the "Rogue One" title could refer to lead character Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) as she herself is some type of rebellious "rogue" in the story. "It's kind of describing her as well in a similar way ... It has [all] these split, multiple meanings that made it feel like the right choice," says Edwards.

"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" is set to be released in theaters on Dec. 16, 2016.