See the New 'Star Wars' Early in a Theater Far, Far Away

It's 100 days and counting for the opening of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" -- if you're in the United Kingdom.

The official U.K. release date has been set for Dec. 17, one day before the film is to open in the United States on Dec. 18, official Star Wars Twitter and Facebook pages confirmed Tuesday.

But the British date is not the earliest fans can see the J.J. Abrams-directed installment of the franchise. It'll open in France, Italy and other European countries a day before that, on Dec. 15.

And for those who really want to rack up the flier miles, it opens Dec. 14 in the United Arab Emirates, where some scenes were shot.

The already huge anticipation was heightened last week with the release of Star Wars toys that gave clues about the "Force Awakens" plot and even some of the dialog.