Star Wars: Rogue One creature photos

The behind-the-scenes reel for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story gave fans a new look at the Rebels fighting to defend the galaxy from the tyranny of the Empire's Death Star. In addition to showcasing Felicity Jones' Jyn Erso and the rest of the human stars, it also provided a look at some of the otherworldly beings and creatures who will populate the backdrop. Some of it went by fast -- just a split-second onscreen -- so here's a closer look at the menagerie of Rogue One...

In the first slide, we saw Jyn giving food to what appears to be a homeless child, while colorfully cloaked and masked figures walk in the background. This is another one -- a character whose identity is unclear, and according to Rogue One director Gareth Edwards is just one of countless curious beings populating the margins.

Many of these appear to be from Jedha, the Force-worshipping planet where the interests of those who wish to put their faith in the path of the extinct Jedi clash with the needs and desires of the occupying Imperial military.

The costume design and make-up effects create an exotic combination. Even without a name, or even any important action, it's easy to look at these faces (or masks) and imagine a backstory.

 Sometimes the eyes of the actor do a lot of that heavy lifting, too, although in this case maybe with the help of contact lenses -- unless she has a fascinating flaw in that right iris.

Sometimes it's the lack of distinguishing human characteristics that make the character intriguing. Whoever -- or whatever -- this being is, we can be sure it's no life form we've seen before.

The helmet of this character calls to mind a yellow version of the red, pellet-masked Guavian Death Gang thugs from The Force Awakens.

Some creatures from Rogue One are refreshing in their familiarity. Here's an old-school Death Star droid, complete with mantis-like ocular receptors. One of these models was first seen in the original Star Wars, walking past Han Solo and Luke Skywalker in their stormtrooper disguises while Chewbacca posed as a prisoner.

The'd better give this Mon Calamari denizen an actual name, posthaste, or else "chubby, blue Admiral Ackbar" is going to stick.

This willowy creature calls to mind a friendly Wampa, although there may be no such thing. The fine white fur flounces as it runs, and a breathing device makes it a curious combination of beast and machine. It's clearly sentient, carrying either a pack of weaponry or a communications array on its back.

War is hell, but to quote Patton: "God help me, I do love it so." This guy does -- and then some.

We're getting a number of new iterations of the Stormtrooper in Rogue One, from the old-school ones in white armor, to the dusty Sandtroopers, and black-masked Deathtroopers. Even these Tank Troopers have a different design to their helmets.

Another Rebel creature whose like no other Star Wars character we've seen before. This large-mawed soldier is probably excellent at calling out orders amid the crossfire of battle.

Finally, Warwick Davis. The Daniel Day-Lewis of Star Wars creature actors. We'll have to wait and see which being he's playing this time, but the black headcovering suggests some kind of mask. From Wicket to Wald to Wollivan, here's guessing the Willow actor's new creation starts with the initial W.