Is this the first glimpse of Star Wars: Episode VII’s chrome stormtrooper?

Rumors have abounded that STAR WARS: EPISODE VII would not only be seeing the return of the familiar stormtroopers from the Original Trilogy but also a newly redesigned take on the iconic white armor. Some sketches have surfaced but nothing official from J.J. Abrams or Disney to corroborate or deny the new designs.

Another new image has surfaced, supposedly featuring the new chrome stormtroopers that may appear in STAR WARS: EPISODE VII. The new image comes courtesy of Indie Revolver and seems to match with the designs we have seen so far for the new stormtrooper. This is the first time we have seen this color variation and, if this rumor ends up being true, it looks pretty badass.

STAR WARS: EPISODE VII has been hewing closely to the first three classic STAR WARS films in an effort to distance fans from the prequel films and harken back to the practical designs of the first movies. I was getting paranoid that J.J. Abrams was being too faithful, but I am liking this slight tweak to a familiar concept we have come to know and love.

STAR WARS: EPISODE VII is slated for release on December 18, 2015.