Director Rian Johnson finally divulged a few details about Luke and Rey in the still-untitled Star Wars: Episode 8.
As 2017 gets off to its begrudging start, fans, critics, and studios alike turn their attention to the stories hitting the big screen this year. Director Rian Johnson spoke with USA Today about what fans can expect in one of the most anticipated stories of the year — Star Wars: Episode 8.
And it looks like we’re getting a whole lotta Luke!
Johnson confirms that the new film will pick up where The Force Awakens left off (in a break with Star Wars tradition.) The tantalizing final frame of The Force Awakens has Rey offering a weatherbeaten Luke his lightsaber. Like many fans, the director says he just didn’t want to skip ahead two years in the story.
“I want to see the very next moment of what happens,” he says.
According to Johnson, Luke Skywalker, who appeared for mere moments in The Force Awakens, will be “a large part of the movie.” USA Today says that Rey and Luke’s relationship will be central to Episode 8, as will Luke’s path to isolation on Ach’to and his plans for the future.
Daisy Ridley’s Rey (regardless of her parentage!) will be a crucial element of those plans. And of course, Rey will have her own battles to fight.
“Part of what she’s dealing with is the realization that she has this power and this gift,” Johnson says. “She’s taking her first step to coming to terms with this thing inside her that she never knew was there and is just starting to reveal its potential.”
Other speculation focuses on the role of Carrie Fisher’s General Leia, after the actress’s tragic death in December. Fisher was rumored to have had “crucial scenes” expanding Leia’s emotional arc in both Episode 8 and Episode 9. Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy and director Colin Trevarrow will reportedly meet soon to discuss storytelling options.
Star Wars: Episode 8 hits theaters on Dec. 15, 2017.
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