Instant Alert: This JJ Abrams TED Talk explains why the new 'Star Wars' trailers are so mysterious

MANAGE SUBSCRIPTIONS   |   UNSUBSCRIBE   |   VIEW ONLINE   This JJ Abrams TED Talk explains why the new 'Star Wars' trailers are so mysterious by Stephen Parkhurst and Ian Phillips on Nov 13, 2015, 12:49 PM "Star Wars" fans are in a frenzy because Luke Skywalker has been missing from every single trailer and poster for the new movie, "The Force Awakens." But there's a reason we haven't seen Skywalker yet. It's all part of J.J. Abrams' philosophy as a filmmaker. In a TED talk in 2008 he referred to this as "The Mystery Box." "The withholding of information... doing that intentionally is much more engaging," Abrams said. "I find myself drawn to infinite possibility and that sense of potential. And I realize that mystery is the catalyst for imagination." He added that the reason "Jaws" and "Alien" are so engaging is that we barely see the monsters. So what part does Skywalker play in the new "Star Wars?" Find out for yourself on December 18th. Story by Ian Phillips and editing by Stephen Parkhurst INSIDER is on Facebook: Follow us here   Share the latest business news with your network: Email sent to:   |   Manage your email preferences   |   Unsubscribe Terms of Service   |   Privacy Policy Business Insider. 150 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011