Director Rian Johnson Reveals ‘The Last Jedi’ Title Meaning
Ever since the title of upcoming Episode VIII of the Star Wars saga has been revealed, speculation over the true meaning has been circulating in everyone’s minds, with every possible theory being explored. Could it be referencing the legendary Luke Skywalker? Could it be plural, noting the end of the existence of the Jedi as a whole? Or could it be Rey, the newest addition and apostle of the force?
Director Rian Johnson and Kathleen Kennedy, Lucasfilm president and producer on The Last Jedi, strategically dodged questions on revolving the title in Vanity Fair‘s cover story. When asked whether the term was singular or plural, she replied:
“In my head, it’s singular. It makes sense with the story, to me, that it’s singular.”
In April, during a discussion with ABC News, Johnson was again quite brief and vague while replying to a suggestion that the title is a nod to Luke:
“I’m gonna take your word for it. They say in The Force Awakens that he’s going to find the last Jedi temple, and Luke is the last Jedi.”
In a new interview with the New York Times, Johnson has finally decided to give us a more specific and descriptive answer in regards to The Last Jedi:
“It’s in the opening crawl of The Force Awakens, Luke Skywalker, right now, is the last Jedi. There’s always wiggle room in these movies — everything is from a certain point of view — but coming into our story, he is the actual last of the Jedi. And he’s removed himself and is alone on this island, for reasons unknown.”
Th key word being “right now.” The filmmaker continues on to reiterate that it is possible this definition will alter throughout the film:
“The heart of the movie is Luke and Rey. It follows all the other characters, but its real essence is the development of the two of them. And it’s absolutely tied up in that question of, What is Luke’s attitude toward the Jedi?”
In Star Wars: The Last Jedi, along with Rey and Luke’s journey, we will be following up with returning characters Poe Dameron (Oscar Issac), Finn (John Boyega), and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). Additionally, we will be introduced to Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo (Laura Dern), DJ (Benicio del Toro), Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran), and an evil droid rival to the innocent BB-8 .
We will finally know the true meaning to The Last Jedi when it hits theaters December 15, 2017.
What are your thoughts on the meaning of the Last Jedi? Could Episode 8 see the end of a beloved character, or will this call for a rebirth of the Jedi? Let us know!
Source: New York Times
