DHAKA: Star Wars fans got their first glimpse on Friday of the space saga’s long-awaited new film – including a controversial new-look lightsaber – but still have to wait a year for the movie itself.

‘There has been an awakening. Have you felt it?’ a gravel-voiced narrator intones in the brief trailer, before a squadron of Stormtroopers is seen prepping for action.

Studio giant Disney earlier this month revealed the name of the new episode, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, saying filming had been completed on the movie, due in theatres on December 18, 2015.

‘The dark side... and the light,’ the voiceover continues, as a cloaked figure – perhaps a dark Sith Lord – brandishes his lightsaber in a snowy forest, before John Williams’ stirring theme plays.

Inevitably, Star Wars fans immediately flooded the Internet with comments, observations – and speculation.

Many seemed split about the new design of the lightsaber, which had flaming laser beams coming out the handle in what looked like some sort of handguard.

BDST: 1240 HRS, NOV 30, 2014