The world premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" kicked off tonight in Hollywood, California. The red carpet stretched for almost four blocks, as fans, media, press, cast, crew, and numerous special guests came out to support the release of the film.

In addition to some incredible red carpet displays, such as giant lightsabers, lego reproductions of BB-8 and Rey, and countless "Star Wars" themed decorations, the StarWars.com team interviewed the cast of the new film, asking them questions about the filming experience, the legacy of the original trilogy, and what the overall power of the "Star Wars" franchise means to them.

Here are some of the best interview questions and answers from the premiere:

John Boyega - Finn, "Star Wars Episode VII"Question: What was it like telling Finn's story?Answer: Finn is the first Stormtrooper with his own story and personality. This is a very unique time for him and a very unique story. He leaves the First Order to meet up with Rey and BB-8. That kind of Stormtrooper experience has never been seen on screen before.

JJ Abrams - Director/Writer,"Star Wars Episode VII"Question: What iconic JJ Abrams stamps have you put on "Star Wars?"Answer: You'll have to tell me. I don't feel like I'm trying to put my own stamp on the film. I do my best to serve the story and the characters.

Gwendoline Christie - Captain Phasma, "Star Wars Episode VII"Question: What was it like being under Phasma's helmet while filming? Answer: It was incredibly freeing. It was progressive for a female character. There was a sense of liberation, as ones body being covered by practical armor. The focus was on the character, and not just the physical form [of a woman.]

Daisy Ridley - Rey, "Star Wars Episode VII"Question: Who messed around the most on set?Answer: Me and John. We were really silly. I can't wait for everyone to see the behind-the-scenes footage because it's hilarious.

Harrison Ford - Han Solo, "Star Wars Episode IV - VII"Question: What advice would you give an actor on playing a young Han Solo?Answer: I would tell him to figure out how to play it himself. To not think about me. To trust himself and to play to his own instincts.

Luptia Nyong'o - Maz Kanata, "Star Wars Episode VII"Question: Does motion capture make the filming experience different?Answer: I was very lucky to be a part of principle photography with the main cast. My imagination was full of the scenery and the world, and then I went away to do the motion capture work.

Adam Driver - Kylo Ren, "Star Wars Episode VII"Question: What was the most amazing part of filming?Answer: Working the legacy cast (Episodes IV - VI.) Watching them still have such youthful ambition to want to make the film good. They couldn't have been more excited, and that was inspiring to me.

Mark Hamill - Luke Skywalker, "Star Wars Episode IV - VII"Question: Has this been the easiest press tour in Star Wars history?Answer:Yes, all because of the marketing decision to keep my character mysterious. Harrison and Carrie have been doing all the heavy lifting. Ask me again about Luke in two hours.

George Lucas - Writer/Producer - "Star Wars Episode I - VI"Question: Did you know this franchise was going to be this big? Answer: Not right away. I started off wanting to do a film for young people, with psychological undercurrents for people going through adolescence. It had emotional themes and spiritual themes. It was always more than just a spaceship film, and "The Force Awakens" is a film about families -- about what one generation leaves for the next.

Dave Filoni - Writer/Producer, "Star Wars Rebels," "The Clone Wars"Question:What is it about the "Star Wars" magic formula that we are still obsessing about all these years later?Answer: It's a story of hope. Seeing the evolution of Luke, watching him understand the world -- we all identify with that story.

Anthony Daniels - C-3PO, "Star Wars Episode I - VII"Question: What props did you take after you were done filming?Answer: After "Return of the Jedi" wrapped filming, I found them burning the Millennium Falcon, because they had nowhere to store it. So I picked up some of the pieces and took them home.

Steven Spielberg - Writer/Director - "E.T." "Indiana Jones" Question: Did you know that "Star Wars" was going to be such a big deal back in the '70s?Answer: Yes. I was such a cultural event. It was a seismic shock that went all over the world. I knew it would never go away. Not every franchise catches fire. It was a slow burn but I knew that it would last forever.

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" opens in theaters December 18, 2015.