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What we learned at the 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' press conference (pictures)

The "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" Global Press Conference was so big that they had to break it up into two parts. Here's a look inside at the event.

Brian Tong
Brian brings his high energy and edgy style to the CNET family, showcasing the latest and greatest in the tech world with substance to back up his style. Brian regularly appears on CBS, CNN, Headline News and local TV stations and radio networks while hosting several of CNET's popular franchises.
Brian Tong
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First Order Stormtroopers

First Order Stormtroopers make their presence felt at the "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" Global Press Conference.

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Star Wars: The Force Awakens panel

The "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" panels included cast members, directors and producers. Lawrence Kasdan, Carrie Fisher, Lupita Nyong'o, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley and J.J. Abrams were on the first panel hosted by Mindy Kaling.

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Kylo Ren's costume

A look at some of the finer details of Kylo Ren's costume. Abrams says it went through thousands of iterations to get it just right. Captain Phasma's distinctive metallic armor was originally designed for Kylo Ren, but it didn't fit with the story.

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Is Kylo Ren a bad guy?

Adam Driver says his character Kylo Ren is more complex and driven by what he believes is morally right. It's not just good versus evil.

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Lawrence Kasdan and Carrie Fisher share a laugh

Kasdan, who served as writer on "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi" was brought back to help J.J. Abrams co-write "The Force Awakens."

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Finn, Rey and Poe

A look at the costume design for Star Wars' next generation of heroes.

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Don't stay after the credits

J.J. Abrams made it clear that there will be no post scene credits in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

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Flametrooper

A good look at the First Order Flametrooper costume design.

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The second 'Star Wars' panel

The second panel included cast members, directors and producers. Oscar Isaac, Gwendoline Christie, John Boyega, Kathleen Kennedy and Harrison Ford made up this panel, also hosted by Mindy Kaling.

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Harrison Ford walks on stage

Han Solo struts his stuff. Who you calling scruffy-looking?

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Star Wars "feels like home"

Harrison Ford said being back on the set on Star Wars felt like nothing had changed after all these years. Ford said the Star Wars universe "feels like home."

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Han Solo's costume

Han's still got that rebel scum swagger.

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Captain Phasma is strength

Gwendoline Christie talks about how it's a honor to have a major role in the Star Wars universe as a female character that is not defined by her physical traits, but by her strength and power.

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Captain Phasma's costume

You can't stop staring at Captain Phasma's all-metal outfit. She's used to wearing heavy costumes from her experience as the armored Brienne of Tarth in HBO's "Game of Thrones."

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John Boyega doesn't care about the "black Stormtrooper stuff"

John Boyega says he really doesn't care about the black Stormtrooper stuff. He says "Star Wars" is about people, Wookies, loyalty and friendship.

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No Jar Jar. No Ewoks.

Producer Kathleen Kennedy says the controversial Jar Jar Binks is not in the movie, and neither are the furry natives of Endor that appeared in "Return of the Jedi," the Ewoks.

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First Order Snowtrooper

Here's a closer look at a First Order Snowtrooper that indicates the different environments that we'll see in "Star Wars: the Force Awakens."

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