Unseen earlier incarnations of new Star Wars characters like Fin, Rey and BB-8 will be unveiled for the first time in the newly announced The Art of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, a behind-the-scenes look at the development of the characters and worlds from the upcoming movie.

Alongside text by Phil Szostak, Art will feature concept and production art from the J.J. Abrams-directed feature, as well as "storyboards, blueprints and matte paintings" from the film.

Interviews with many of the artists and other creatives who worked on the project will also be included, as will what is described as "blue sky concept art" of ideas that didn't make it into the finished movie — but could, perhaps, offer hints at what lies ahead in future installments.

The 256-page tome, published by Abrams, will be released in bookstores Dec. 18, the same day that Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits theaters.