Disney has teased fans of hugely popular science fiction franchise ‘Star Wars’ with the briefest of hints that original leads Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher will return.

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In a teaser for Star Wars Episode VIII: The Force Awakens released on Friday, Han Solo (Ford) appears, roguish as ever, alongside his loyal ‘walking carpet’ sidekick Chewbacca.

“Chewie, we’re home,” Solo says to his Wookiee sidekick, before the trailer comes to a close with the instantly recognisable black and yellow title.

The hashtag #Chewiewerehome started trending on Twitter soon after the trailer dropped, with many fans having emotional reactions to the return of their beloved characters.

“Sheesh, I started to cry when Harrison Ford appeared,” ABC’s 7.30 anchor Leigh Sales tweeted.

Luke Skywalker (Hamill) voices the trailer, which also includes a glimpse of his sister Princess Leia Skywalker (Fisher) holding a lightsaber.

Even Darth Vader can be seen momentarily, in the form of Anakin Skywalker’s mangled helmet.

Shiny black storm troopers, and even a silvery, red-caped trooper, make a cameo, sending social media into a frenzy.

The latest Star Wars instalment, directed by JJ Abrams, will hit Australian cinemas in December.