Is that Mark Camel? New Star Wars creature thrills fans (and knocks over JJ Abrams' nametag) at Comic-Con Force Awakens panel

By Mike Larkin For Dailymail.com

Published: 21:01 EST, 10 July 2015 | Updated: 02:08 EST, 11 July 2015

Many fans were unhappy at the overuse of CGI in the Star Wars prequel trilogy.

And JJ Abrams underlined he would not be making the mistake of using too much computer effects by showing off a new animatronics character during the long-awaited Force Awakens panel at Comic-Con on Friday.

Named Bobbajo, the comical creature, already nicknamed Mark Camel by some fans, raised plenty of guffaws among attendees when he knocked over the director's nametag as he sauntered around the stage during a live demonstration.

Comic-Con Stagewalker: JJ Abrams showed off an animatronic character, lovingly nicknamed Mark Camel by fans, during the Star Wars: The Force Awakens panel on Friday

Comic-Con Stagewalker: JJ Abrams showed off an animatronic character, lovingly nicknamed Mark Camel by fans, during the Star Wars: The Force Awakens panel on Friday

Knock it off: Thankfully his overlord saw the funny side when the puppet knocked over his notes and nametag

Knock it off: Thankfully his overlord saw the funny side when the puppet knocked over his notes and nametag

Explaining why he liked to use puppets rather relying solely on CGI, JJ said: "It gives the actors things to respond to."

Screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan, who also penned The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, said the way the team had blended tangible special effects with computer effects helped make the film better.

He said: "You can feel that those are real weapons and those are real stormtroopers back there. It was all real. We got that part right."

In behind the scenes footage, the old-timers from the original trilogy were also thrilled about how the film was being made.

Mark Hamill said: "Real sets, practical effects….nothing’s changed and everything’s changed. That’s the way you want it to be."

It beats CGI: Fans were thrilled when the animatronic character Bobbajo walked onto the stage

It beats CGI: Fans were thrilled when the animatronic character Bobbajo walked onto the stage

Comedy classic: The time-honored knocking something over by accident gag worked a treat once again

Comedy classic: The time-honored knocking something over by accident gag worked a treat once again

The director also had an update for fans on the status of The Force Awakens. 

JJ said he is in the process of editing and cutting the movie, adding: “We’re working hard to make the movie what it wants to be.”

And when a long-time supporter asked how he can live up to fan expectation, he said he just focused on the basics

He said: "When you’re directing a scene on the Millennium Falcon, that doesn’t make it good…it’s storytelling 101…You can’t be blinded by [your feelings about the original trilogy]. I can’t wait to show you the movie."

While there was no new film footage released, the panel certainly gave fans plenty to chew on, not least free doughnuts given to them by old charmer JJ. 

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens has so far released two teasers. The film hits cinemas on December 18. 

You're fired: Since Donald Trump has been axed from The Apprentice, perhaps JJ would make a good fill-in

You're fired: Since Donald Trump has been axed from The Apprentice, perhaps JJ would make a good fill-in

What's that? Pensioner Harrison looked slightly confused when someone suggested taking a selfie on a phone

What's that? Pensioner Harrison looked slightly confused when someone suggested taking a selfie on a phone

Men's men: The whiff of testosterone was unmistakable as JJ posed for a photo with hunk Adam Driver

Men's men: The whiff of testosterone was unmistakable as JJ posed for a photo with hunk Adam Driver

Time is running out:  JJ is working on cutting the film, which is slated to hit cinemas on December 18

Time is running out:  JJ is working on cutting the film, which is slated to hit cinemas on December 18

 

 

 

 

 

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