IndieRevolver has published pictures of redesigned Imperial stormtrooper helmets that it claims will be used in the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII. If the images are legitimate, then it begs a question of Episode VII's closely-guarded story: with Emperor Palpatine destroyed and Darth Vader dead at the end of Return of the Jedi, how is the Empire still functional enough to field an army? We'll likely find out more soon as more secrets leak from the Star Wars set.

First glimpse of the @starwars #EpisodeVII Stormtrooper & Snowtrooper (via @IndieRevolver)! The future of the #501st! pic.twitter.com/Zycnl5Q4P2

— 501st Legion (@501stLegion) August 15, 2014