'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' spoilers: here's how Galen Erso helped create and solve the Death Star problem

"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" may still be part of the famed iconic science fiction lore. After all, it still has the first Death Star as its main plot point that binds everyone together. But it also introduces a brand-new history making the universe a little bit bigger.

The anthology film is mainly about a band of rebels coming together to steal the architectural plans for the massive Imperial weapon. Fans who have watched at least the original trilogy know that they did succeed in their goal as seen in "Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope." But hints at a side story involving relationships falling out as well as the ever-present familial narrative are also peppered in to make for a more immersive film.

Thanks to "Rogue One's" accompanying novel, "Catalyst: A Rogue One," fans can take a peek at what went down years before the movie picks up. It also offers an insight into how the Death Star came out to be tying in some glaring plot holes that its existence posed. Long-time friends, Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) and Galen Erso (Mads Mikkelsen) who apparently had been pivotal in creating — and maybe even destroying — the weapon take center stage in what could be a dive into the "Star Wars" history. For quite some time, fans thought that Galen is one of the bad guys alongside Orson, who was already locked to the big baddie group. But as the movie draws closer and more details emerge, it seems like the scientist is more of a good guy trapped in a bad situation.

Mikkelsen backs up this claim when he sat down with Huffington Post, saying, "I think we should credit my character for a few things. I mean, I created the problem [of the Death Star], but I'm also part of the problem-solving."

Those who read "Catalyst" get a better sense of how Galen eventually ends up in the clutches of the Empire. Thanks to a conniving Krennic who is so motivated to side with the Supreme Chancellor, the scientist was recruited into the work into the weaponry development for the Republic. Galen who was originally working on synthesized living crystals to provide power across the galaxy was almost reluctant to join in the war and choose sides. But his debt of gratitude coupled with a growing family that needs to be supported landed him a job post with the Empire.

Galen's and Krennic's respective fates are still unknown, but given the direction to which the Gareth Edwards project is heading, things are not looking bright for either of them or for their relationship. A recently released promo clip featuring them in a terse conversation hints that Galen may actually be held in captivity for quite some time before the events of "Rogue One" take place. This further solidifies the claim that he was the one who planted that weak spot to the Death Star sealing decades-long of conversations regarding the narrative loophole by the end of "A New Hope."

Additionally, during a separate IGN interview with both Mendelsohn and Mikkelsen, the former almost slipped with how his character will be reacting once he finds out that his daughter, Rebel leader, Jyn (Felicity Jones) is paving the way in retrieving the plans for the Death Star and saving him at the same time. Unfortunately for fans and fortunately for him, he got a quick second to think and realize that he would be revealing too much if he answered the question.

"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" blasts through cinemas on Dec. 16 in North America.