The light and dark themed covers, featuring Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) respectively, are the latest in Empire’s portfolio of Star Wars exclusives.

The magazine has opened its prized archives for the first time since 1997 to produce a bespoke 40 years of Star Wars supplement focussing on the original trilogy. Also included with the issue is an exclusive LucasFilm double-sided art print.

Commenting on the issue, Empire Editor-in-Chief Terri White, said: “This month’s issue is a feast of goodies, from our exclusive Star Wars covers, supplement and art print, to two killer specials in the mag: our Oscars extravaganza and Review of the Year, including interviews with Nicole Kidman, Ridley Scott, Elisabeth Moss, Armie Hammer, Jordan Peele, Gary Oldman, Margot Robbie, Taika Waititi, Regina Hall, Martin McDonagh and Joe Wright. Oh, and the Hoff!”

Empire Digital Editor-in-Chief James Dyer has spoken to the main cast members to find out what fans can expect when the film opens in cinemas on December 14.

This new issue builds on Empire’s long and special relationship with Star Wars, which has included a host of exclusive and innovative styles of publishing.

In September, Empire published two covers, with the special subscriber cover making use of a holographic sheen to show the hand of Ridley's Rey handing a lightsaber to the robotic hand of Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker.

In November 2016 the magazine published six collectable 3D covers, showcasing characters from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. In 2005 the magazine joined forces with LucasFilm to publish a limited-edition “breathing” Darth Vader cover, which produced sound using chip technology embedded in its spine.

For the latest issue, readers can look forward to exclusive interviews, never seen before exclusive pictures, a comprehensive review of the year, including Empire’s Top 20 Films of 2017, and a look ahead to the potential 2018 Oscar nominees.

The latest edition of Empire hits newsstands on November 30.