Bauer Media’s Empire magazine has renewed its ‘special relationship’ with the Lucasfilm Star Wars franchise ahead of the launch of the new film Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

The October issue, on sale August 27, will see a split run of ‘Hero’ and ‘Villain’ collector’s gatefold covers published, featuring exclusive imagery from the movie event of the year.

The special edition also features an exclusive interview with Director J.J Abrams and the filmmaking team behind Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Empire owner Bauer Media said the issue marked ‘another notable milestone in a special relationship’ between Empire and Star Wars.

Empire Executive Editor Ian Nathan added: “Empire is thrilled to begin another journey in the Star Wars universe.

“This is a friendship that began a long time ago, and once again we have been challenged to go above and beyond what we’ve done before.

“Our readers expect the best Star Wars coverage in the galaxy. These two unique gatefold issues are only the start of what is going to be the most extraordinary coverage one magazine has ever given to one movie saga. Watch this space.”