Star Wars: The Force Awakens behind-the-scenes trailer premieres

Star Wars fans across the globe have been treated to a special behind-the-scenes look at upcoming movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

The three-minute and 42 second clip was first shown at Comic-Con in San Diego at the weekend where it was introduced by director J.J. Abrams, producer Kathleen Kennedy and writer Lawrence Kasdan.

Rapturously received by fans, the footage shows that Abrams has moved away from the CGI that dominated the Star Wars prequels in favour of using real costumes.

There was also a surprise when British actor and sci-fi aficionado Simon Pegg and confirmed that he will be playing an alien in the movie.

At Comic-Con the filmmakers were joined by cast members Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Gwendoline Christie, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford to the delight of the audience.

The entire hall of 6,000 people were then invited outside to a surprise Star Wars concert where the San Diego Symphony performed the classic Star Wars music from John Williams.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits cinemas on 18th December 2015!