The Frenzy Awakens: Star Wars mania is about to strike again as Rogue One tickets go on sale

Star Wars fans the world over are preparing themselves for the next instalment in the galaxy far far away, with just three weeks left until the new movie comes out.

Tickets for Rogue One, the first of three spin off movies, go on sale today at 10am.

New Zealand fans can be amongst the first in the world to see the new movie, as midnight screenings are being held at Event Cinemas on December 15.

The late release of the sci-fi blockbuster will likely be welcome news to local cinema owners.

Last year, The Force Awakens, the seventh instalment in the franchise, became the highest grossing movie of the year, racking up $9.8 million in New Zealand.

Currently, the year's No. 1 movie is Taika Waititi's Hunt for the Wilderpeople, which is sitting on $8.5 million, according to Box Office Mojo.

It holds the record for the highest grossing local movie of all time, and has remained on top against competition from Captain America, Suicide Squad and Finding Dory, but can it hold onto the box office title for 2016?

The movie stars Felicity Jones and is set before A New Hope, telling the story of the rebels who stole the plans for the Death Star. It co-stars Mads Mikkelsen, Ben Mendhelson and features a small role from Darth Vader, with James Earl Jones once again voicing the iconic villain.

Episode VIII in the Star Wars franchise is set for release next year, while a Han Solo prequel will shoot its way into cinemas in 2019.

Fans can go to eventcinemas.co.nz to buy tickets from 10am. Rogue One will be released in 3D and IMAX.