JJ Abrams drops key clue in mystery over Rey's parents

The director of the latest Star Wars movie, JJ Abrams, has continued his secrecy over the mystery identity of Rey's parents.

But he has revealed a key clue.

During a discussion with Chris Rock at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York on Friday, the floor was opened to the audience, prompting the arrival of one of the most discussed question by fans since the highly-anticipated film was released: Who are Rey's parents?

"Rey's parents are not in Episode VII," Abrams said.

"So I can't possibly say in this moment who they are. But I will say it is something that Rey thinks about too," joked the young director amid laughter from the public, referring to the mystery character played by actress Daisy Ridley in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Rey is the newest protagonist in the galactic trilogy.

Abrams later clarified his comments during a Q&A interview with Entertainment Weekly, saying: "What I meant was that she doesn't discover them in Episode VII. Not that they may not already be in her world."

Fans have speculated the female scavenger is the daughter of Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, but will have to wait until the release of Episode VII in December 2017 for more clues.

According to the UK Independent, one theory that is still in contention is that Rey's mother is Jyn Erso, the protagonist played by Felicity Jones in the upcoming prequel Rogue One.

This theory is said to have been dismissed by Daisy Ridley, however.

Between Abrams and Rock, the crowds at the event exceeded organisers' expectations, with the nearly one hundred fans stationed outside the venue for hours posting their displeasure on social networks.

Throughout the talk, Rock, the Oscar Award's most recent host, sent ripples of laughter through the crowd multiple times, including when he asked Abrams whether he had ever landed a project that he thought he did not deserve.

"I want to say Star Wars," joked Abrams, who also admitted to tearing up when he shot the final scenes of The Force Awakens.

Beyond Star Wars, both celebrities took time to speak to viewers about other personal preferences, including their favourite actors.

When Abrams was asked who he would want to work with, he said Denzel Washington.

"You can be in it too," he added jokingly to Rock.

Abrams, also the creator of the acclaimed series Lost explained that his diet of preferred series are Transparent and Togetherness and Game of Thrones.

Rock, on the other hand, said he was a big fan of Fargo and The Walking Dead.

-AAP, with additional reporting from nzherald.co.nz