It seems that the more that fans review the classic Star Wars films, particularly in reference to the new information given throughout Gareth Edwards' Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the more possible connections are discovered hiding in plain sight. This most recent theory, though, takes the cake when it comes to just how intricate the connection between the two stories may have been constructed. A clever fan has theorized that the empty chair next to Grand Moff Tarkin within the Death Star's conference room just may have belonged to one recently deceased Director Orson Krennic. Take a look at a screenshot of that moment below, and judge for yourself.
As you'll see in the Twitter post above, a fan has singled out the moment when Grand Moff Tarkin and Darth Vader announce the dissolution of the Imperial Senate as the proof of the further ties between both films. Supposedly, this image focuses on the loss of who would have been the presumed second in command / rival to Tarkin's command of the Death Star project. While Krennic was the project lead before and during the events of Rogue One, Tarkin moved to assume command after the successful test firing on Jedah. In either case, one could assume that the two characters would be sitting next to each other, out of deference for the chain of command. However, there's a key factor that could very easily debunk this rumor.
Thinking back to the contents of Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel, a mutual, seething hatred between Orson Krennic and Grand Moff Tarkin was revealed. With both men acting as rivals towards each other's mutually ambitious aspirations (don't choke on them!), there is no way these two would have wanted to sit next to one another. If anything, the moment Tarkin took command of the Death Star, he'd probably reshuffle the seating order in the conference room. Just because the two of them work together doesn't mean they have to sit together. Although there may be life to this theory yet, as there's two open seats right across from Tarkin, which could easily be filled by the now absent Krennic.
While this theory of yet another connection between Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and A New Hope is open to interpretation, the effect the Gareth Edwards film has had on the Star Wars galaxy is undeniable. In fact, we wouldn't be surprised if there were even more hidden connections, both directly and indirectly implied, within the film's content. Which is why we're going to suggest that we all see the film again, and come back later to discuss, as Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is currently still in theaters.
