It’s getting close to that time of year again, and no, I don’t mean Christmas. Another fan-awaited “Star Wars” film is taking theaters on Dec 18.

“Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens,” is the next installment in a 38-year-old movie saga. But is all the hype appropriate for such a legendary tale, or are people weary of the Disney grasp?

“Star Wars” was a staple of my childhood and my first introduction to the age-old battle between good and evil. Over the years, the core values have been lost and muddled under commercialism, so the current hype is understandable. With a revamped plot and the promise of original authenticity, fans are remaining loyal.

Moorpark College student and 20-year-old Star Wars fan Ty Burton, believes the excitement is warranted and that the familiar characters are the key.

“I love the characters, particularly in the original trilogy and how most of them are very relatable,” said Burton. “Whether it’s Luke or Han or Vader, they all start at this one place and you see them growing throughout all three movies.”

The film boasts an impressive cast list, including some of the original characters. Han Solo, Chewbacca, Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker played by the original actors will all be making their return appearances, much to fans delight. In addition, the movie will also include new characters such as Rey (a scavenger), Finn (a storm trooper), and Poe Dameron (a pilot), just to name a few.

Some anticipated elements for the new film include old-school animatronics and puppeteering featured in the original trilogy. On the panel at the recent 2015 San Diego Comic Con, Director, J.J. Abrams spoke to the crowd about the tangible aspects fans love.

“The important thing for us was that we make this thing authentic; that we tell a story that allowed the actors to interact with, and be on a set with as much authentic, real, tangible construction as possible – sets, props, creatures,” said Abrams. “It helped the entire process look and feel like it was actually on screen, because it was.”

As a “Star Wars” fan who values the original trilogy, I appreciate Abrams’ promise. It makes me believe this movie could be great.

Devotees of all ages worldwide have been gearing up for a release that approaches at light speed. But have no fear true fans; the force is in very good hands.

In a recent Vanity Fair interview, Lawrence Kasdan, screenwriter for both the films “The Return of the Jedi” and “The Empire Strikes Back”, assures fans that this movie will meet expectations.

“This new movie, first of all, it’s turning out really great,” said Kasdan. “J.J. directed it so beautifully, and it’s so exhilarating and everything. It’s a big movie. It’s full of wonderful stuff, incident and character stuff, jokes and effects. One of the things that we always refocus on from the get-go was that it not be one of these very long, bloated blockbusters.”

In a Variety.com interview, Disney chief, Bob Iger said he is fully aware of the importance of this movie, not only for Disney, but also for the Star Wars fan base.

“We need to treat this very special. It’s an unbelievable privilege and unbelievable responsibility to take a jewel and treat it in a way that is respectful of its past, but [also] brings it into the future.”

As a fan, I am eager and curious to see what this new film will bring to the table and can only hope the magic of the first trilogy transcends expectations for all.