All the waiting is over. “The Force Awakens” has been released, and now many viewers are looking for answers about how it connects to the other films in the “Star Wars” saga. Many of the most important touchstones to the original three films — “A New Hope” “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi” — seem obvious to most viewers. What’s much more subtle is the incorporation of elements from the prequels into the new film. Here are 10 of the best nods “The Force Awakens” makes to the prequel trilogy.
JUST IN CASE: For those averse to spoilers, this might be best read after viewing “The Force Awakens.”
1. The Clone Army
Perhaps the easiest prequel reference to spot refers to “Attack of the Clones.” Early in the film, Kylo Ren chides General Hux for the traitorous activities of his trooper, FN-2187, and asks if a clone army wouldn’t be better suited for their work. The clone army was commissioned in secret by the Sith and employed by the Jedi and the Republic until Darth Sidious called upon Order 66. Kylo Ren’s allusion to wishing for a clone army is particularly poignant when one considers that Ren worships his grandfather, Darth Vader, who fought alongside the clones and used them to eliminate the Jedi.
