Just in case there were any lingering doubts about that ominous planet-like weapon looming the background of the poster for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," director J.J. Abrams has confirmed it is indeed Starkiller Base, headquarters for the First Order.

“It is very much — and it’s acknowledged as such in the movie — apparently another Death Star,” he tells Entertainment Weekly. “But what it’s capable of, how it works, and what the threat is, is far greater than what the Death Star could have done. Starkiller Base is another step forward, technologically speaking, in terms of power.”

But while the First Order learn from the mistakes of the Galactic Empire, and work out those pesky design flaws?

Actor Domhnall Gleeson also reveals a bit about his character General Hux, saying, "You don’t get that high up in your life that quickly unless you’re pretty ruthless."

His thirst for power puts the cold, calculating officer at odds with Adam Driver's character. “He’s kind of opposite Kylo Ren,” Gleeson revealed. “They have their own relationship, which is individual and unusual. One of them is strong in different ways than the other. They’re both vying for power.”

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" opens Dec. 18 in North America.