BY JADEN MOUNT
December 15 is drawing closer and closer for sci-fi fans as the eighth installment of the critically acclaimed Star Wars series will hit theatres across the United States. Interestingly titled “The Last Jedi”, the movie is supposedly picking up where “The Force Awakens” left off, where Rey found Luke Skywalker on the planet Ahch-To.
Those involved with the new movie have been more secretive compared to episode seven. However, this has not stopped fans from theorizing what will or, rather, what could occur in this newest edition.
Who is the Last Jedi?
The primary focus of most theories has been on the title itself. Many fans believe that “The Last Jedi” is a reference to Luke being the last full-Jedi in the galaxy. There is much dispute if Luke ever really became an actual Jedi during or after the sixth episode “Return of the Jedi”. If he is truly the last of the ancient order, will the movie focus on him primarily? Makers of “The Force Awakens” revealed the plotline was to clue the son of Lord Vader earlier and with more dialogue, but felt Rey would have been left out of the audience’s mind.
Other fans have a presumption that Rey will fulfill the title instead of her apparent force master. If this is the case, then Luke either never became an actually Jedi or he is no longer one at all. Certain theories have brought forth a case that Luke left the ideas of the common Jedi, including the expulsion of most emotions and attachments, and instead of accepting the ideas of the Grey Jedi, who are more middle ground-ed between Jedi and Sith ideals.
Another side to this is Luke will die in a confrontation, leaving Rey to become one and only Jedi in the galaxy. However, it seems more likely that Luke will serve as a Yoda-figure to Rey before either passing away peacefully or fleeing the galaxy for good.
There are a select few that believe the phrase is not specific to one person. As we have seen in previous films, the term ‘Jedi’ is both singular and plural. This means both Luke and Rey could be the last Jedi in the galaxy. Perhaps, even Kylo Ren could join the two, making all three a trio to be reckoned with.
Traditional Galactic Warfare
Fans are expecting a massive space and ground confrontation similar to episode two “Attack of the Clones” and five “The Empire Strikes Back. The most recent teasers and trailers have confirmed at least a sizeable confrontation between the First Order and the Resistance.
More than likely, the main battle will be similar to the Empire’s successful invasion of the rebel base on Hoth. Gorilla Walkers, a more advanced and formidable version of the Imperial AT-ATs, are seen in the various promo videos released by LucasFilm attacking what appears to be a Resistance base on a desert-like planet. It seems a to be a polar opposite to the previous saga, but we will have to wait and see!
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General Leia’s Demise
Even after losing her bad-boy husband, Leia Organa (Skywalker) continues to lead the Resistance against the tyrannical rule of the First Order. The full-length trailer shows General Leia commanding from the bridge of a Mon-Calamari ship, similar to Admiral Ackbar in “Return of the Jedi” or Admiral Raddus of “Rogue One”. We are also given shots of First Order renovated Tie Fighters, possibly commanded by Kylo Ren, delivering noticeable damage to what appears to be a Mon-Calamari style ship. It is possible that this is Leia’s command ship. This begs the question if Kylo will kill his mother, thus ending the lives of both parents and beloved fan favorites.
The fallen pupil of Skywalker appears as hesitant to fire upon a locked target, possibly Leia’s bridge, similar to his confrontation with Han Solo. Hopeful fans believed the death of Han Solo was necessary as Kylo might be trying to get closer to Snoke. If this is true, then Leia may also need to fall to convince the supreme leader of his loyalty.
The Mind of Ren
In episode seven “The Force Awakens”, Kylo stated “I will finish what you started” to the ruined helmet of his grandfather, Darth Vader. Could he be referring to Vader’s betrayal of Emperor Palpatine aka Darth Sidious?
The dark lord was believed to be the ‘Chosen One’ that would bring balance to the Force before his turn to the Dark Side. Kylo could have found out about his heritage, the prophecy, and what his grandfather’s finals actions were and want to continue that process? Or is Kylo truly an evil character who will end in the ninth episode by either direct combat with Rey or turn back to the Light Side in his final moments?
Many questions remain, but if you want some of the answers, be sure to check out “The Last Jedi” in theatres on Friday, December 15.
May the Force be with you, always.